Last November, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued a statement clarifying that TCM product Lianhua Qingwen (连花清瘟) should only be used to treat cold and flu symptoms, and not Covid-19.
Since then, new findings have come to light, with WHO recommending such products last month as they apparently prevent Covid-19 infections from worsening.
More recently, HSA has reportedly approved clinical trials to investigate the use of Lianhua Qingwen to treat adult Covid-19 patients with mild infections.
Researchers aim to investigate the TCM product’s effects on patients’ recovery time as well as the amount of time they take to obtain a negative test.
In response to Channel NewsAsia’s (CNA) queries, HSA said they had approved the trial, initiated by the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, in January.
Through the study, researchers hope to find out if Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang capsules have a “complementary effect” on adult Covid-19 patients’ recovery time when they take them together with standard medical treatment. The test will focus on fully vaccinated patients and those with mild symptoms.
Source: Carousell
The trial additionally aims to assess the product’s impact on the time patients need to get a negative test.
The clinicaltrials.gov website states that researchers expect 300 participants between the ages of 21 and 79 to take part in the trial.
According to 8world News, participants will have to take the TCM capsules two hours after consuming western medicine. They would have to do this three times daily for a period of seven days.
Eventually, the study will hopefully assist policymakers with adopting TCM treatment for mild Covid-19 patients on home recovery.
Researchers also hope to establish a protocol on TCM pandemic treatment that’s suitable for integration into our healthcare system.
More information on the study is available on the website here.
While the authorities previously warned against treating Covid-19 infections using Lianhua Qingwen, it’s heartening to see a change in approach.
As more information becomes available over time, perhaps perceptions will continue to evolve.
At the end of the day, what’s most important is the benefit of the society as a whole.
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Featured image adapted from PR Newswire.
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