Sunthi (Dry Zingiber Officinale) as a Prophylactic Agent Against SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and COVID-19 Symptomatology: Evidence From a Non-randomised Single-Arm Study

Abstract

IntroductionAncient Indian medical system Ayurveda cites Sunthi (an ayurvedic preparation of dry Zingiber officinale) as ‘Vishvabhesaja’—medicine of highest relevance for the whole world—upholding its special status in managing pandemics. The present study assessed the prophylactic response of Sunthi in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, moderating COVID-19 symptomatology, and improving individuals’ quality of life. The COVID-19-relevant phytochemicals in Z.officinale were analysed, and the prominent predictive factors for quality of life were identified. MethodsThis study used multicentre, non-randomised, open-label, single-arm, pre-post design. The sample (n = 824) comprised household members of hospitalised coronavirus-infected patients (n = 770) and the frontline health care workers (n = 54) operating in COVID-19 hospitals. Participants consumed Sunthi powder four times daily, twice via oral (2 g) and twice via nasal (0.5 g) routes, for 15 days. They were followed up after 15, 30, and 90 days. For phytochemical analysis, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and for data analysis, McNemar's test, repeated measures t-test, and multiple linear regression were performed. ResultsZ.officinale comprises phytoconstituents with anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, has no severe effects, alleviates coronavirus-compatible symptoms, and improves the quality of life. ConclusionsDry Z.officinale can be a safe, effective, readily deployable, and affordable treatment for preventing coronavirus infection and managing COVID-19 symptomatology. Incorporating it into the COVID-19 prevention and management protocol can be of relevance for public health systems globally. However, this is a preliminary observation that may be informative for future research. No causal inference pertaining to the observed association could be drawn, and this result shall be interpreted with caution.