ANTI-VIRAL (ANTI-FLU), ANTI-BACTERIAL IMMUNOBOOSTING ORAL COMPOSITION OF HERBAL EXTRACTS FOR TREATING RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS – A CASE STUDY

Rajesh Biswas*, Kakoli Biswas, Parikshit Bansal and Shashi Gupta

ABSTRACT

Few antiviral and a large number of antibacterial synthetic drugs are approved worldwide for treatment of respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria. Though the antiviral, antibacterial and immunoboosting properties of several herbs are well-documented, not a single standardized, herbal composition is approved globally for treatment of viral or bacterial respiratory infections. The present case discloses clinical results of a unique, standardized herbal extract formulation for treatment of respiratory tract infections, which offers potential for therapeutic and prophylactic use at global level, especially in epidemics. The formulation is a synergistic composition of alcoholic extracts of seven herbs viz. C. longa (95% Curcumim) 26-31%; B. serrata (65% Boswellic acid) - 22-27%; M. pterygosperma - 18-23%; O. sanctum -7-12%; T. cordifolia- 7-12%; W. somnifera- 5-7%; P. nigrum (95% Piperine) - 1-2%. Presentation of the composition is in form of capsules of 700 mg each for oral intake (Patent filed- Indian patent no. 202011016778 dt. 19/04/2020; International PCT Application No. PCT/IN2020/050448 dt. 19/5/2020) The composition was evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in six patients in age group of 15-57 years who were clinically diagnosed as suffering from viral infection (flu) or mixed respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria. Diagnosis and treatment was carried out by a Practising Ayurvedic Physician at Ayusham Health Care, an Ayurvedic Clinic based at Plot No 293, Industrial area, Phase-1, Panchkula, Haryana, India. When given orally to the patients at a dose of 2 capsules of 700 mg each, thrice a day (4.2 gm/day), the composition was very effective in rendering all patients asymptomatic within 2-3 days. Treatment was however continued for 7 days to ensure complete recovery and prevent relapse. No side-effects were observed in any of the patients. The present case study suggests that the powerful antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator activity of the composition is due to the synergistic effect of 50-60 powerful phytochemicals which act as the biologically active components. The composition offers an affordable and effective treatment for upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sore throat etc.) caused due to viral infections (flu) or mixed viral and bacterial infections. Possibilities of effectiveness of the composition needs to be explored against novel viruses causing epidemics such as „Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)‟, „Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)‟ and COVID-19.

Keywords: anti-virus, antibacterial, herbal composition, respiratory infection, flu.