Efficacy and safety of Andrographis paniculata extract in patients with mild COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Objectives
To assess the efficacy and safety of Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) in adults with mild COVID-19.
Methods
Sixty-three adults aged 18-60 years, without co-morbidity, with laboratory-confirmed mild COVID-19, were randomized 1:1 to receive APE (60 mg andrographolide, t.i.d, for 5 days) or placebo within 24 hours after admission, plus standard supportive care. The outcomes were clinical recovery rates by Day 5 using self-assessment scores, pneumonia by chest X-rays, nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 detection by rRT-PCR on Day 5, changes of serum CRP levels, and adverse drug reactions. Chest X-rays and blood tests for CRP, liver and renal function, were performed on Days 1, 3, and 5.
Results
Baseline characteristics of patients in the APE-treatment (n=29) and placebo-control (n=28) groups were comparable. None had self-assessment scores showing complete clinical recovery by Day 5. Pneumonia occurred in 0/29 (0%) versus 3/28 (10.7%), (p=0.112). On Day 5, patients with SARS-CoV-2 detection were 10/29 (34.5%) versus 16/28 (57.1%), (p=0.086); patients with CRP >10 mg/L were 0/29 (0%) versus 5/28 (17.9%), (p=0.023), for APE-treatment and placebo-control groups, respectively. All three patients with pneumonia had substantially rising serum CRP; and high CRP levels on Day 5. None had evidence of hematologic, hepatic or renal impairment.
Conclusion
Even though the study was limited by small sample size, our findings suggested promising efficacy and safety of the APE-treatment regimen in adults with mild COVID-19. Further studies, with adequate power to assure these findings, are required.
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