Promising role of traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine in treatment, management and better clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study

Abstract

IntroductionThe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has negatively impacted the lives of people globally. To date, no specific treatment has emerged to combat the disease. Hence, there is an urge for immediate therapy against infections like COVID-19 through the inclusion of various traditional medicines including Ayurveda. MethodsThis retrospective study was performed on 300 patients who were treated using the Holistic Ayurveda protocol at the COVID Health Care (CHC) centre. Out of 300 patients, 258 who took the AYURAKSHA Kit regularly along with the other Ayurvedic medicines for treatment were selected for this study. Demographic distribution, viral clearance, and haematological parameters of COVID-19 patients were analysed. ResultsThe maximum number of COVID-19 positive cases (31.4%) were found in the age group 20–29 years whereas the age group 40–49 years (11.52 days) and ≥ 60 years (11.5 days) took the maximum time (P = 0.035) for viral clearance. The haematological investigations showed that the Ayurveda treatment maintained the admitted patients' blood profile and coagulation profile. Strikingly, liver and kidney profiles improved post-treatment as Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (P = 0.000), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (P = 0.000), Urea (P = 0.000), and Creatinine (P = 0.002) levels were significantly reduced. Likewise, a significant reduction in inflammation markers like C-reactive Protein (P = 0.000), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (P = 0.003), and serum Ferritin (P = 0.000) was also observed. No adverse treatment effects were observed during follow-up of the patients. ConclusionThe above outcomes showed that the Holistic Ayurveda Protocol in treating COVID-19 patients is safe, acceptable and effective. Thus, suggesting the possible integration of Ayurvedic treatment in combating such deadly diseases.