Safety and efficacy of siddha medicine preparation in the management of COVID-19: A prospective randomised open label study

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies has surged since the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However, the efficacy and safety of these CAM therapies remains majorly unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To understand the efficacy and safety of Nochi Kudineer Chooranam (5 gm), Mahasudarsan Chooranam (3 gm) , Adathodai Manapagu (10 ml), Omatheeneer (10 ml), Maldevi chenduram (100 mg) with honey in management of COVID 19 patients. METHODS: We conducted a randomised, controlled, open label trial in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had an oxygen saturation of 90% or more while breathing ambient air. Patients were randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio to either intervention group, receiving seven days of siddha medicine (Intervention group; n = 50) or standard care (control group; n = 50). The primary end point was clinical markers and patient recovery status on day 8. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with confirmed COVID-19 with average age of 37 yrs (interquartile range, 28–49) participated in the study. There was no statistically difference between groups at baseline (P > 0.05). After intervention, patients in the intervention group had statistically (P < 0.05) significant reduction in the symptoms when compared to standard care. By end of the intervention period, 6 patients (12%) were hospitalized in the control group and none of them were reported for intervention group. CONCLUSION: Among patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, 7 days of siddha medicine showed a significant reduction in the clinical symptoms and requirement of hospitalisation, with no adverse events. Therefore, the particular siddha medicine preparation could be used safely and effectively for the management of COVID-19 patients.