Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) in mild and moderate COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled exploratory trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Ayurveda interventions have been used for prophylaxis and care during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and have shown promising results in promoting early clinical recovery from COVID-19.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] tablet and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) capsule in mild and moderate COVID-19 compared to conventional standard care.
METHODS
A randomized controlled exploratory trial was conducted at a designated COVID-19 care center in India with 60 participants having mild or moderate COVID-19. Ashwagandha, two tablets (250mg each), and Shunthi, two capsules (500mg each) twice daily for 15 days, were given orally to the participants in the Ayurveda group (AG) and the control group (CG) received conventional standard care. The outcome measures included clinical recovery rate, the proportion of participants with negative RT-PCR assay for COVID-19 on day 7 and day 15, mean time to attain clinical recovery, change in pro-inflammatory markers, serum IgG for COVID-19, HRCT chest findings, disease progression and incidence of adverse events (AE).
RESULTS
A total of 60 participants were enrolled, and the data of 48 participants (AG = 25 and CG = 23) were considered for the statistical analysis. The mean time for clinical recovery was reduced by almost 50% in the AG (6.9 days) compared to CG (13.0 days) (p<0.001). The proportion of participants who attained viral clearance in AG was 76.0% compared to 60.8%…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.
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