Covid-19 is a new disease and there is no drug or vaccine for it as of now and the patients are being given medicines that were approved for treating other viral infections. At least five medicines have either been given a go-ahead from the government to treat coronavirus infected patients in India or are in the final stages of the trial being carried out. India has also been using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial drug, for treating Covid patients. Coronavirus positive cases in India are increasing at an alarming rate. With the highest single-day spike of 16,922 cases on Thursday, India's Covid-19 count reached 10,29,000. It is the third worst affected country, only behind USA & BrazilThe treatment protocols for coronavirus are being revised from time to time based on emerging evidences.
Here are the drugs, treatment presently available for coronavirus (Covid-19) and what we so far know about them:
1) Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
It was first developed in India for the treatment of malaria. Two Indian firms, Ipca Laboratories and Zydus Cadila Ltd, are the world’s largest manufacturers of the drug. The Indian Council of Medical Research has also been using the drug to prevent infection among healthcare workers based on theoretical evidence that hydroxychloroquine does not allow the novel coronavirus, or SARS-COV2, to attach to cells. HCQ was touted as a potential coronavirus treatment by US President Donald Trump and some other global political leaders.
2) Covifor
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to Hetero for manufacturing ‘Remdesivir’ for the treatment of Covid-19. Hetero’s generic version of Remdesivir will be marketed under the brand name ‘Covifor’ in India. It has been granted approval by DCGI for the treatment of suspected or laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in adults and children, hospitalized with severe symptoms of the disease. Covifor (Remdesivir) will be available in 100 mg vial (injectable) which has to be administered intravenously in a hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
3) Fabiflu
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has launched antiviral drug Favipiravir, under the brand name FabiFlu, for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid patients. Priced at ₹103 per tablet, the prescription-based drug will be available as a 200 mg tablet at an MRP of ₹3,500 for a strip of 34 tablets.
4) Cipremi
Cipla has launched its own remedesivir under the name of Cipremi. Cipla said it will be commercialising remdesivir through its own facilities and partnered sites. The drug will be supplied through government and open market channels, to ensure equitable distribution. The drug is most effective on those who need oxygen support. Cipla is yet to disclose the pricing for the drug.
5) Methylprednisolone
Indian doctors have been successfully using Methylprednisolone in handling moderate to severe cases of the disease. It reduces its overall mortality and is a more essential part of the treatment regimen. Also, it reduces the severity of symptoms, doctors claimed. Dexamethasone is supported by a large trial and is a cost-effective drug. It is of the same group as Methylprednisone.
Using herbs for illness isn’t a novel idea. For thousands of years, herbs like licorice, ginger, and ephedra have been used to treat respiratory infections like the
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, talks about immunity and health became a common subject. Experts recommended that with no existing cure or vaccine for the virus, prevention techniques such as social distancing, wearing masks, practicing proper hand and respiratory hygiene, along with trying to stay as healthy as possible were the only ways to beat the virus and avoid getting sick.
This is when Indians turned to the centuries-old wisdom of Ayurveda for boosting their immunity and keeping free of diseases. As the world starts to adopt Ayurvedic practices and Yoga for overall health, and as Ayurveda moves to a global level in the fight against COVID-19 with clinical trials and research
Here are 5 ayurvedic herbs that are close to home and easily available, that you can use to boost immunity and ward off diseases.
1. Tulsi
Tulsi is one of the key ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi, also known as the Holy Basil is popular all around the world for its medicinal properties. You can add tulsi to your kadha for immunity, herbal teas, etc, or can just chew a few leaves on empty stomach. Tulsi is rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to improve immunity against pathogens, especially those that cause respiratory and throat infections.
2. Ginger
Ginger or dry ginger is used as a common ingredient in Ayurveda. Ginger is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a common home remedy for cough and cold in the form of tea, or kadha. It can help boost immunity naturally. However, if you have a lot of body heat, or are the Pitta body type in Ayurveda, you must keep your consumption of ginger under control, especially in the summer.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is one Ayurvedic ingredient that has made Ayurveda popular all around the world. With the western world adopting to the consumption of turmeric in the form of tablets, indigenously, turmeric is used as a common spice added to foods in India. Golden milk, also known as Haldi Dudh, is often used to treat muscle pains, or even as first aid in case of an injury. Turmeric contains many components that can help fight diseases.
4. Giloy
Giloy is an ayurvedic herb that is also hailed as the “ayurvedic root for immortality”. Giloy is a powerhouse of antioxidants which help in detoxing the body and reducing free radical activity. Giloy is also rich in anti-microbial properties and is used in various ayurvedic treatments.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is another Ayurvedic herb that has been used in various treatments. It is good for physical as well as mental health. Ashwagandha can help people with stress, anxiety or insomnia as it helps to calm the mind down. Since sleep plays such an important role in overall health, ashwagandha is an important Ayurvedic herb to keep your body and mind healthy. It is also rich in antioxidants and helps in boosting immunity.
Beneficial
ReplyDelete