A randomized open label parallel group pilot study to evaluate efficacy of Ayurveda interventions in the management of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients-experiences of a Lucknow based level 2 hospital of Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND: SARS--CoV-2 has emerged as a global threat since its onset in December 2019. India has also been severely affected by the dreadful Corona Virus and is currently battling one of the worst pandemics of history. WHO and the world medical fraternity are putting their efforts to materialize a treatment or vaccine for this novel virus. A randomized open label parallel group study was designed in a Lucknow based level 2 COVID hospital to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of asymptomatic and mild COVID 19 patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurveda in the management of mildly affected COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current trial was an open label randomized 10-day study. Total 120 asymptomatic and/or mild COVID-19 positive patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomly grouped into three. RT-PCR of all the patients were done on 5th, 7th and on 10th day respectively. The observations were noted and results were analyzed statistically. Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon Sign rank test were used for data analysis where applicable. RESULTS: Improvement in symptoms, enhancement in Agni and recovery from COVID infection was observed. The results obtained were encouraging and showed better viral clearance and control of symptom progression in the patients placed on Ayurvedic medications. CONCLUSION: The promising results in the study showed that an approach involving Ayurveda can be helpful for the management of the mild COVID-19 patients. Ayurveda can be used to limit community spread and check disease progression to a more appalling state. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial was registered with Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2020/06/025800.