Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) at Karachi University (KU) in collaboration with the Indus Hospital (IH) has initiated the clinical trials to ascertain the efficacy of a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to cure mild cases of Coronavirus.
It is the first-ever trial of a COVID-19 TCM in Pakistan organized under an international protocol.
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According to details, KU researchers will establish the effectiveness and safety of the TCM named Jinhua Qinggan Granule.
First developed during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, Jinhua Qinggan Granule is made up of 12 natural herbs including honeysuckle, mint, and licorice. The TCM was widely used for treating COVID-19 patients in China.
300 COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms will be treated with the TCM during the trials which will be completed in four to five months.
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Lead investigator of the trials and KU faculty member, Prof. Raza Shah, has said:
Jinhua Qinggan Granule tested in China has been found to have curative as well as preventive effects. It is one of the top drugs recommended in China’s national guidelines against COVID-19.
When asked about the rationale behind testing the Jinhua Qinggan Granule only on mild Coronavirus patients, Prof. Raza explained that severe and critical Coronavirus patients have been excluded from the trials to minimize the chances of any negative reactions of the TCM when taken with other drugs.
