A group of researchers in Edo state say they have produced a
herbal drug “specifically for the treatment of COVID-19”.
Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories said the drug,
named CVD PLUS, contains herbs and other constituents that “can stimulate
antibody production against coronavirus related diseases”.
“Paxherbals has developed a novel drug, called CVD PLUS,
specifically for the treatment of COVID-19. Pax CVD PLUS contains herbs and
active phytoconstituents with documented scientific formulations of Paxherbals
over the past 25 years for the treatment of hepatitis C, tuberculosis,
HIV/AIDS, bronchitis, pneumonia and malaria,” the laboratory said in a
statement on Wednesday.
“Some bio-active constituents of CVD PLUS are potential
antiviral agents and immunomodulatory agents that can stimulate antibody
production against coronavirus related diseases.”
The laboratory, which claims it was established in 1996 “for
the promotion, development and proper utilisation of African medicine,” said
representatives of some federal government agencies including the National
Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) were involved in
the process of the production.
However, Ese Osezuwa, a communications officer with the
laboratory, told TheCable on Thursday the drug has not been tested and proven
to cure any COVID-19 patient.
TheCable reached out to NAFDAC and the Nigeria Institute of
Medical Research (NIMR), which were said to have been informed about the drug,
but both organisations said no herbal drug has been approved for COVID-19.
NIMR, however, said it is currently studying ‘CDV PLUS’ in
one of its centres.
Eenfaa Bob-Manuel, the media director at the ministry of
health, also told TheCable, the ministry has not been informed of such a drug.
Pax Herbal, in the statement signed on its behalf by Anselem
Adodo, added that plant-based drugs, “whether crude or refined, are seemingly
the best alternative approach to the COVID-19 menace”.
There is, however, no scientific evidence to the claim. The
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for instance, considers herbal
supplements as foods, not drugs, meaning they are not subject to the same
testing and manufacturing standards and regulations as drugs.
Also, the World Health Organisation cautions against
“self-medication with any medicines” as well as unapproved drugs as a prevention
or cure for COVID-19.
The federal government had earlier said it may ask
Madagascar to send Nigeria “herbal solutions” to treat COVID-19 complications,
after the country launched a herbal medicine which it says cures the disease,
though the country’s national medical academy has cast doubt on the drug.
The NCDC and WHO strongly warn against the use of unapproved
drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
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