Kabasura Kudineer for COVID-19

Abstract Introduction Despite several ongoing efforts in biomedicine and traditional medicine, there are no drugs or vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of May 2020; Kabasura Kudineer (KSK), a polyherbal formulation from India’s Siddha system of medicine, has been traditionally used for clinical presentations similar to that of COVID-19. We explored the efficacy of KSK in reducing viral load and preventing the disease progression in asymptomatic, COVID-19 cases. Methods A prospective, single-center, open-labeled, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in a COVID Care Centre in Chennai, India. We recruited reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 of 18 to 55 years of age, without clinical symptoms and co-morbidities. They were randomized (1:1 ratio) to KSK (60 mL twice daily for 7 days) or standard of care (7 days supplementation of vitamin C 60,000 IU morning daily and zinc 100 mg evening daily) groups. The primary outcomes were reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 load [as measured by cyclic threshold (CT) value of RT-PCR], prevention of progression of asymptomatic to symptomatic state, and changes in the immunity markers including interleukins (IL-6, IL-10, IL-2), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF α). Siddha clinical assessment and the occurrence of adverse effects were documented as secondary outcomes. Paired t-test was used in statistical analysis. Results Viral load in terms of the CT value (RdRp: 95% CI = 1.89 to 5.74) declined significantly on the seventh day in the KSK group and that of the control group, more pronounced in the study group. None progressed to the symptomatic state. There was no significant difference in the biochemical parameters. We did not observe any changes in the Siddha-based clinical examination and adverse events in both groups. Conclusion KSK significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load among asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and did not record any adverse effect, indicating the use of KSK in the strategy against COVID-19. Larger, multi-centric trials can strengthen the current findings. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI2020/05/025215. Registered on 16 May 2020

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study focuses on the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Kabasura Kudineer, a Siddha formulation renowned for its properties against cold and exclusively utilized during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The medication was obtained from a reputable Siddha vendor in Chennai, India, and subsequently extracted and subjected to GC-MS analysis. Results: The GC-MS profiling revealed the presence of several molecules, including benzoic acid, eugenol, alpha-ylangeneol, trans-2,4-dimethylthiane, S, S-dioxide, humulene, methyl 4,7,10,13-hexadecatetraenoate, 17-octadecynoic acid, 1-hexadecyn-3-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl, sulfurous acid, butyl heptadecyl ester, chloroacetic acid, tetradecyl ester, n-propyl cinnamate, oleyl alcohol, trifluoroacetate, 1-heptatriacotanol, and fenretinide. These compounds exhibit expansive medicinal roles. Conclusion: Kabasura Kudineer emerges as a highly effective remedy for cold-related ailments, particularly owing to the presence of bioactive compounds such as eugenol and humulene. These constituents play pivotal roles in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Further investigations into the individual medicinal efficacy of each identified molecule are warranted to substantiate the therapeutic potential of Kabasura Kudineer, providing valuable insights for future applications.