UP researchers recommend lagundi for COVID-19 patients

Photo shows the lagundi or chaste tree, vitex negundo, now being tested as treatment for COVID-19.

The STAR / File

MANILA, Philippines — Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña has urged those afflicted with COVID-19 who are taking lagundi to follow the guidelines recommended by experts, particularly scientists from the University of the Philippines - Manila who had conducted a clinical trial on the medicinal plant as an adjunct treatment for the viral disease.

In his weekly virtual Bayanihan briefing, Dela Peña said UP Manila clinical trial team leader Dr. Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte had advised the public to follow prescribed dosage to ensure that the use of lagundi to treat cough symptoms of COVID-19 will yield positive results.

“Adult patients may take the 600-milligram tablet or 5 milliliters of the 600-mg syrup thrice daily. Meanwhile, the dosage requirement for pediatric patients would vary, depending on their age range. The 300-mg syrup may be taken thrice daily by children, following the suggested dosage per intake: 2.5-5 mL for ages two to four, 5 mL for ages four to six and 7.5-10 mL for ages six to 12,” Dela Peña said.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/01/17/2154343/researchers-recommend-lagundi-covid-19-patients