SARS-CoV-2 Clearance from Andrographis paniculata, Boesenbergia rotunda, and Favipiravir among Mild COVID-19 Cases in Klong Prem Central Prison during Mid-2021: a Retrospective Study

Prempree et al., OSIR, 15:4, Dec 2022

Retrospective 120 patients in Thailand, showing improved viral clearance with andrographis compared with favipiravir.

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risk of no viral clearance, 18.8% lower, RR 0.81, p = 0.61, treatment 13 of 30 (43.3%), control 16 of 30 (53.3%), NNT 10, day 14.

time to viral-, 30.8% lower, relative time 0.69, treatment 30, control 30, andrographis vs. favipiravir.

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Prempree et al., 31 Dec 2022, retrospective, Thailand, peer-reviewed, 9 authors, this trial compares with another treatment - results may be better when compared to placebo.

SARS-CoV-2 Clearance from Andrographis paniculata, Boesenbergia rotunda, and Favipiravir among Mild COVID-19 Cases in Klong Prem Central Prison during Mid-2021: a Retrospective Study

Preecha Prempree, Anek Mungaomklang, Mayuree Tangkiatkumjai, Tuangrat Phodha, Pakakrong Kwankhao, Kanokwan Chewchuapun, Chutima Charuenporn, Darika Monta, Thanawut Karapakdee

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of two herbal medicines, Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees capsule (AP) and Boesenbergia rotunda (Linn.) Mansf. extract capsule (BR), on the rate of SARS-CoV-2 virus clearance among inmates of Klong Prem Central Prison, Bangkok. Cases with mild COVID-19 were allocated into four groups: four capsules of AP thrice daily (n=30), one capsule of BR once daily (n=30), a combination of AP and BR (AP-BR) (n=30), or favipiravir (n=30) for five days. The primary outcome was time until undetected SARS-CoV-2 infection after starting treatment. The median period of SARS-CoV-2 clearance was shorter in the AP and AP-BR groups (9 days) compared to the BR (11 days) and favipiravir (13 days) groups. No one developed pneumonia; however, one participant in the AP group developed hyperkalemia. Our results suggest that A. paniculata with or without B. rotunda may be used as an alternative treatment for mild COVID-19 when access to favipiravir is limited. Further clinical trials are needed to determine their efficacy and safety.

Authors' Contributions PP guided and revised the manuscript. AM and PK revised the manuscript. MT analyzed study data and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. TP analyzed study data. KC, CC, DM, and TK carried out the research. All authors approved the final manuscript.

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Late treatment
is less effective