The clinical trial on the use of tawa-tawa as supplemental treatment for mild and moderate cases of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is nearing completion, according to Dr. Philip Ian P. Padilla, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV).
Padilla, who is also a Professor for Microbiology, is the principal investigator of the trial, a collaborative effort between UPV, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, Philippine Red Cross-Manila, and Quezon Institute.
“Ginatapos subong ang trial kon pwede gid man gamiton ang aton ginatawag herbal supplement tawa-tawa against COVID-19,” said Padilla in an interview over state-owned Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo.
Padilla noted that they were able to recruit over 100 COVID-19 patients from Negros Island while the Red Cross Manila and Quezon Institute are also recruiting some more.
He said they are hopeful to finish the trial by end of September this year.
“So hopefully matapos tani by the end of September, didto naton i-analyze kon epektibo gid ini nga maka-relieve sang symptoms or maka-shorten sang quarantine stay [of COVID-19 patients],” he said.
Padilla clarified that tawa-tawa has been approved as herb supplement for other aspects but it is not yet established for mild and moderate COVID-19.
“So kon ang resulta [sang clinical trial] okay, pwede naton ma-add ina sa labeling sang aton tawa-tawa supplement,” he added.
He also said that it may need further study or more patients for the trial to determine its effectivity as a drug for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Padilla said it will be a breakthrough if ever tawa-tawa will be proven to alleviate the symptoms of mild and moderate COVID-19.
He said it will definitely lessen the number of admissions of COVID-19 patients in the hospital and a big help to the country’s health care system.
To note, there are currently 10 clinical trials being conducted in the Philippines, according to the DOH-Pharmaceutical Division.
Aside from tawa-tawa trial, others are Favipiravir (Avigan), World Health Organization Trials for Treatments, Melatonin, Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), Lagundi, Convalescent Plasma Therapy, Intravenous Tocilizumab, Anti-Coronavirus Therapies (ACT), and evaluation of plasma therapy. (Glenda Tayona)/WDJ