Thailand Medical Study Reveals Plant Extract Formula as Potential Relief for Long COVID
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 02, 2024 5 hours, 21 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: Researchers from Rangsit University, Thailand, investigated a novel approach to long COVID relief involving the usage of locally available herbs. Their study focused on a Combined Plant Extract (CPE) formula containing extracts from lime, bamboo grass, cannabis leaves, galangal, and black pepper, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This
Thailand Medical News report highlights the findings and significance of their work.
Thailand Medical Study Reveals Plant Extract Formula as Potential Relief for Long COVID
Unpacking Long COVID and CPE’s Potential Role
Long COVID is a lingering illness characterized by symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness that persist well beyond the initial COVID-19 infection. To test the impact of CPE on these symptoms, the researchers conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Participants in the study were given either the CPE supplement or a placebo for seven days, with primary outcomes including changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which indicate inflammation, and a newly developed long COVID symptom questionnaire.
Insights Into the Study’s Methodology
The study’s methodology was designed to provide reliable results:
-Randomized, Double-Blinded Design: Both researchers and participants were unaware of group assignments, which prevents bias.
-CRP as a Biomarker: While CRP levels provide insight into inflammation, they may not fully capture CPE’s impact on all long COVID symptoms.
-Symptom Questionnaire: Researchers developed a specific questionnaire to assess 19 common long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, PEM (Post-exertional malaise), brain fog, and dyspnea. This tool proved valuable in capturing nuanced changes in symptom severity.
The study revealed promising potential for CPE in reducing specific symptoms of long COVID, including fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM) - symptoms that can significantly impact patients’ daily lives.
Key Findings: Symptom Relief and Safety
A total of 66 participants completed the study, with 33 in each group. While the CPE supplement didn’t result in a statistically significant reduction in CRP levels, it showed substantial effects on symptom relief. Here are the detailed results:
-Symptom Reduction:
The total symptom score for long COVID symptoms significantly decreased in the CPE group compared to the placebo group. Participants reported a marked improvement in overall symptoms, notably fatigue and PEM.
-Fatigue and PEM Relief: Those taking the CPE formula experienced a 75% reduction in moderate to severe fatigue and a 65% reduction in moderate to severe PEM compared to the placebo. This is particularly notable, as both fa
tigue and PEM are highly common and debilitating symptoms for long COVID patients.
-Quality of Life Scores: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures did not show significant differences between the CPE and placebo groups. However, improvements in specific symptoms like fatigue and PEM hint at potential quality-of-life benefits for patients struggling with these issues.
-Safety Profile:
Adverse effects in the CPE group were generally mild and manageable. No severe adverse reactions were linked directly to the supplement, establishing CPE’s acceptable safety profile. Side effects included minor complaints like dry mouth and mild digestive disturbances, which resolved without long-term consequences.
Understanding the Ingredients: How CPE Works
Each plant in the CPE formulation is backed by traditional medicinal use and scientific research. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their potential roles in combating long COVID symptoms:
-Lime (Citrus aurantifolia): Known for its antioxidant effects, lime helps reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with inflammation and fatigue.
-Bamboo Grass (Tiliacora triandra): This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe respiratory symptoms often seen in long COVID.
-Cannabis Leaves (Cannabis sativa): The cannabis used in CPE is rich in cannabidiol (CBD), known for its potential neuroprotective effects. CBD may alleviate neurological symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.
-Galangal (Alpinia galanga): This ingredient has been studied for its mental alertness-enhancing properties, which could help improve symptoms of cognitive fatigue.
-Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Black pepper contains piperine, which has anti-inflammatory effects that could help reduce physical symptoms of post-COVID fatigue.
Conclusions: A Promising Step Forward
The research team concluded that CPE might offer an effective natural supplement for easing moderate to severe long COVID symptoms, especially fatigue and PEM, without significant safety concerns. These findings support further, larger-scale studies to confirm CPE’s efficacy and explore its underlying mechanisms. Future research should aim for a more extended treatment period to better evaluate its potential benefits on CRP levels and overall quality of life.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229924000955
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