Safety and Efficacy of the Ayurvedic Formulation Guduchi Ghana Vati as a Preventive Remedy in COVID-19

Abstract

Background and objectives Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used as a preventive and curative remedy for various infections and immunity-related conditions. This study aimed to evaluate Guduchi Ghana Vati as a preventive remedy for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infections in a healthy population. Materials and methods An open-labeled, multi-centric, randomized, comparative, interventional, prospective community-based clinical study was conducted on healthy individuals at the community level in five different districts of Rajasthan by the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, India. Participants were divided into two groups. One group received Guduchi Ghana Vati as an intervention for 45 days, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Incidences of COVID-19 infection, non-COVID-19 infections, their severity, and hospitalization requirements were assessed. Safety was evaluated through monitoring of adverse reactions. Results Among the 10,022 participants who completed the study, the incidence of COVID-19 infection was found to be lower in those taking Guduchi Ghana Vati compared to the control group; however, the difference was statistically non-significant. The severity of COVID-19 based on the WHO ordinal scale was found to be significantly lower in the Guduchi Ghana Vati group compared to the control group. The number of episodes and severity of non-COVID-19 illness were also significantly lower in participants taking Guduchi Ghana Vati compared to the control group. No major adverse drug reactions were observed. Conclusion Guduchi Ghana Vati has the potential to act as a safe and effective remedy for the prevention of infection and immunity-related conditions, including COVID-19.

Keywords: ayurveda; covid-19 prevention; guduchi; healthy volunteers; number of episodes; severity of infection; tinospora cordifolia.

Figure 1. Flow of participants in the study

*Two participants in the Guduchi group dropped out due to the occurrence of adverse events, which were possibly related to the consumption of the study product. These two events were of a mild nature, did not require any treatment, and resolved on their own.

Figure 2. Incidence of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related illnesses

Values are presented as numbers and percentages. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in the incidence of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related illnesses between the Guduchi group (Figure 2A) and control group (Figure 2B).

Figure 3. The severity of COVID-19 infection among the groups

The severity of COVID-19 infection was significantly (p<0.05) lesser in the Guduchi group compared to the control group. The WHO ordinal scale was used to assess the severity of the COVID-19 infection.

Figure 4. The severity of non-COVID-19-related illness

Values represent the number of episodes in participants with non-COVID-19-related illnesses. A significant (p<0.05) difference was observed between the groups, with less severity in the Guduchi group compared to the control group.