‘Lagundi’ as COVID-19 treatment still under trial phase

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

The Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) on Thursday confirmed that a study is still being conducted on the use of the herbal medicinal plant Vitex negundo L., or more commonly known as ‘lagundi’, as possible treatment for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a press conference, DOH-WV CHD Regional Epidemiologist Jessie Glen Alonsabe said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an attached agency of the DOH, is conducting the study together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Alonsabe added that the results of the study may be a basis for the DOH Central Office’s decision to use the plant as treatment.

“This study is being done by the FDA in collaboration with the [DOST]. As of now, there is no parallel study being conducted by the DOH. The results of this study may be the basis later on of the DOH to use it as a supplement for the management of COVID-19 or not,” Alonsabe said.

The FDA on August 29 approved the use of lagundi for clinical trials as a supplement against COVID-19.

The plant is more known to most Filipinos as treatment for the common cough.

DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña said on Aug. 29 that around 200 mild COVID-19 patients admitted in several hospitals in Metro Manila will be the subjects of these trials.

Another herbal medicinal plant, ‘tawa-tawa’, as well as virgin coconut oil, are also being studied for approval in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment. (With a report from CNN Philippines)