VCO, herbals studied as COVID-19 cure

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is looking at the potential of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a supplemental therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through clinical studies being done at the Philippine General Hospital.

“Meron na pong dalawang pag-aaral ang pinondohan ng DoST. Eto po ay para doon sa mga tinatawag na clinical studies. Ang una pong pag-aaral ay pinatutupad po ng Philippine General Hospital o PGH at tinitingnan po nito ang potensyal ng virgin coconut oil as a supplemental therapy dun po sa standard medicines na binibigay sa mga pasyente ng COVID-19,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in his daily virtual press briefing in Malacañang Palace.

A second study to be implemented by the DoST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute will evaluate the effects of VCO in diminishing the symptoms of COVID-19, such as better breathing and lesser frequency of coughing, said Roque.

Meanwhile, the Solidarity Trial will test the safety and effectiveness of four repurposed drugs in treating COVID-19, according to the presidential spokesman. These antiviral drugs that are being tested are: chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, Liponavir with Ritonavir and Interferon.

“Nandyan din po yung ating pagsapi sa mga tinatawag na World Health Organization Solidarity Trial. Ito po’y bunsod sa kagustuhan ng ating Presidente na makipagtulungan tayo sa lahat ng mga dalubhasa sa buong mundo upang magkaroon na po tayo ng vaccine o di naman kaya ay gamot para dito sa COVID-19,” Roque said.

Also part of ongoing researches involve the herbal drugs lagundi and tawa-tawa. Roque said researchers are evaluating the efficacy and safety of said formulations and supplement against COVID-19.