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BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) – Thailand’s Ministry of Health approved the use of a herbal plant extract to treat the early stages of Covid-19 as a pilot program amid an outbreak of the coronavirus outbreak in the southeastern nation. Asian.
Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as green chiretta, will serve as an alternative treatment to reduce the severity of the outbreak and cut treatment costs, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (December 30).
The treatment will be available in five state hospitals initially, he said.
Thailand reported 250 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the national total to nearly 7,000. A government official said the rate of increase in local broadcasts was alarming and urged people to stay home to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The government has also banned large gatherings in high-risk areas, said Dr. Taweesilp Witsanuyotin, a spokesman for the national Covid-19 response center.
Herbal treatment will be voluntary for those in the 18 to 60 age group with minor symptoms and should be done within 72 hours of confirmation of infection.
The plant extract, known as “fah talai jone” in Thai, can slow down the virus and reduce the severity of inflammation, the ministry said, citing studies.
Human trials showed that the patient’s condition improved within three days after treatment with no side effects if the drug is administered within 72 hours after testing positive.
Separately, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration said it is ready to register people for Covid-19 vaccines. The FDA has opened a special channel for registration to ensure a speedy process.
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