Results of trials on lagundi, tawa-tawa as COVID-19 treatment out by end of February — DOST

MANILA, Philippines — Results of clinical studies on the use of lagundi (Vitex negundo or Chinese chaste tree) and tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta or asthma-plant) as supplementary treatment for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may be announced by the end of February, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Friday.

The research and development project on the medicinal plants was added as one of the initiatives being funded by the DOST last year in its effort to help the government fight the coronavirus pandemic, along with the clinical study on virgin coconut oil (VCO).

“By the end of February ay magkakaroon na kami ng mga ia-announce na resulta,” DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said in a televised Laging Handa Public Briefing.

As for the VCO study, Dela Peña said they are expanding the trials to get more data.

“Iyong VCO sa Sta. Rosa ay natapos na at uumpisahan na iyong VCO trials sa Valenzuela para madagdagan pa iyong ating mga trials na magawa.

“Iyong sa PGH (Philippine General Hospital) naman medyo nilawakan na nila ang kanilang volunteers, sa amin na ring kahilingan, na hindi lamang iyong severe at moderate cases ang isama sa kanilang trials kundi isama na rin iyong ilang may comorbidity,” he added.

Initial trial data from the DOST showed that VCO as a food supplement can reduce symptoms among probable and suspect coronaviruses disease cases.