India, UK clinical trial of Ashwagandha for COVID-19

India`s Ayush Ministry has collaborated with the UK`s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)  to conduct a study on Ashwagandha for promoting recovery from COVID-19. The All India Institute of Ayurveda, an autonomous body under the ministry of Ayush, and LSHTM recently signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct clinical trials of Ashwagandha on 2,000 people in three UK cities - Leicester, Birmingham and London. Ashwagandha, commonly known as `Indian winter cherry`, is a traditional herb that boosts energy, reduces stress and makes the immune system stronger. It is an easily accessible, over-the-counter nutritional supplement in the UK, and has a proven safety profile. 

The successful completion of the trial can be a major breakthrough and give scientific validity to India`s traditional medicinal system. While there have been several studies on Ashwagandha to realize its benefits in various ailments, this is the first time the Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with a foreign institution to investigate its efficacy on COVID-19 patients. For three months, one group of 1,000 participants will be administered Ashwagandha tablets while the second group of 1,000 participants will be assigned a placebo, which is indistinguishable from Ashwagandha in looks and taste. Both patients and the doctors will be unaware of the group`s treatment in a double-blind trial. The participants will have to take the 500 mg tablets twice a day.A monthly follow-up of self-reported quality of life, impairment to activities of daily living, mental and physical health symptoms, supplement use and adverse events will be carried out.

                                                                   Courtesy PIO TV