How lagundi can help treat COVID-19 symptoms
The clinical trials for the use of lagundi as a supplemental treatment for COVID-19 has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines (FDA).
Lagundi leaves / Source: @I, Doronenko (Wikipedia)
Lagundi has the scientific name of Vitex negundo and it is endemic in the Philippines.
In English, it is known as the five-leaved chaste tree or Chinese chaste tree.
It has long been used in the Philippines as a natural antitussive or cough remedy.
Its leaves are usually boiled in water and drank as tea to relieve cough, cold, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pharyngitis.
Numerous studies have shown the different health benefits of lagundi, including its ability to prevent the production of leukotrienes, which are active compounds released during an asthma attack.
Lagundi is also said to have anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing capabilities.
It contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine or anti-allergy and muscle relaxant properties.
Hence, it really has potential to relieve or address some of the common COVID-19 symptoms.
In an interview in Unang Hirit, FDA Director General Eric Domingo explained to Ivan Mayrina and Mariz Umali what the ultimate goal is of the lagundi clinical trials in relation to the fight against COVID-19.
“Yung lagundi approved talagang halamang gamot 'yan dito sa Pilipinas, ginagamit natin siya para sa ubo, yung mga nahihirapan huminga, 'tsaka pantanggal ng plema, 'di ba?
“So, ngayon ginagamit siya sa pag-aaral na 'to para dagdag na gamot para sa mga pasyente na may mild to moderate COVID, para makita natin kung meron siyang added effect sa pagbilis ng pag-galing ng mga pastente natin.
“Gusto kasi natin makita kung it will help improve the symptoms quicker, 'tsaka para mabilis yung recovery ng pasyente.
"And hopefully, mabawasan yung pag-deteriorate ng mga patients with moderate na COVID, so para 'di na sila maging severe.”
Dir. Gen. Domingo also clarified that lagundi is not being tried as a cure for COVID-19, but it is being tested as a supplemental treatment for the symptoms of COVID-19.
“'Pag sinabi nating supplemental treatment, Ivan, ibig sabihin tinutuloy pa rin yung ibang gamot.
"Kung kailangan na ng anti-viral, for example, that will be given. But a group will be given an additional na lagundi to see if there's an added effect.”
Aside from lagundi, the tawa-tawa or asthma plant and virgin coconut oil are among the local natural remedies that the government is looking into as possible supplemental treatment for COVID-19.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
You might also want to read about how malunggay can help protect you against COVID-19.
