Repurposing Siddha mercurial drug for mild to moderate COVID-19 – Case series and exploration of its chemical profile

Vajra kandi maathirai (VKM) is a mercury-based traditional Siddha drug used to treat various types of fevers and inflammatory diseases. We report our experience of using VKM successfully in the treatment of 5 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients along with its chemical profile. A family comprising of 5 members, with age ranges between 13 and 77, both male and female, one with pre-existing renal impairment, SARS-CoV-2 positive with mild to moderate category were treated with VKM along with the specific dietary practice. The drug was consumed at home quarantine. Real-Time RT-PCR from oropharynx swab, X-ray/CT scan chest, hematology, renal function, liver function, body temperature, and oxygen saturation were assessed. Blood parameters were repeated after completion of therapy to assess the safety aspect of mercury drug. With the first dose, improvement in the oxygen saturation was observed. Within 3 days of therapy, all symptoms (fever, body pain, cough, and loss of taste) were normalized and the Real-Time RT-PCR was negative for COVID-19. There were no observed side-effects and any damage to kidneys and liver were not observed. Chemical profile of the drug was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The drug contains 22% of mercury along with a 9-Octadecenoic acid-(E), 1H-Imidazole, 4,5-dihydro-2-(phenylmethyl), and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- as major organic compounds. VKM might be a safe drug to manage COVID-19 patients. Rigorous research is required in larger population and also for drug discovery.