Africa is proving that COVID19 can get a herbal beating. The beating is not expected to come from the African continent. But this is a war at the door step of every continent.
As the world continues the war with the Covid19, Madagascar officially launched COVID-Organics (CVO); an organic herbal concoction. President Rajoelina claims that the CVO prevents and cures patients suffering from the new coronavirus. And as the World Health Organization (WHO) is still struggling to accept the miracle from Madagascar, some Nigerian Scientists are working out more herbal solutions.
Some scientists at the University of Ibadan recommended a plant called Euphorbia Hirta as a herbal alternative for the COVID19. The plant is also called the Asthma plant. This plant works to mitigate some of the diseases associated with the COVID19 pandemic. According to these scientists, the plant can cure dry cough and respiratory failures. It can also manage fever.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus diseases typically affect the respiratory system with resulting symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Some people, especially older adults, are more at risk of severe illness from these viruses. Coronaviruses are present in some animals, such as camels and bats and mutations of the virus can infect humans. The COVID19 is a new variant and behind the present global virus pandemic.
This new class of coronavirus is known as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The SAR-COV-2 is responsible for this disease that has affected more than 4 million people globally as at May 12, 2020. Typically, Antiviral drugs are used to deactivate and prevent the spread of viruses in the body. For now, there is currently no WHO certified drug for treating this coronavirus. Nonetheless, researchers around the world are working to find treatments and vaccines for the disease. Certified or not, the world is desperate for a cure and Nigerian scientists are searching too.
The herb
The plant called Euphorbia Hirta has been recommended by Nigerian researchers as a potent herbal alternative. Prof Awodoyin, a Weed Ecologist, said that the plant is known as Asin Uloko in Edo. Nonon Kurciya in Hausa. As well as Chamma Chamma in Kanuri, Endamyel in Fula-Fulfulde (Borno), and Ba Ala in Owerri. The Yoruba people call it Akun Esan.
The scientists who worked on the plant include
- Olaniyi Babayemi (Prof) – Animal Scientist,
- Olapeju Aiyelaagbe (Prof) – Chemist,
- Ahmed Abu (Dr.) – Animal Scientist,
- Adeoluwa (Dr.) – Organic Agriculturist,
- Olajumoke Fayinminnu (Dr.) – Toxicologist,
- Funmilayo Adebiyi (Dr.) – Animal Scientist,
- Idayat Gbadamosi (Dr.) – Ethnobotanist,
- J. Badejo (Dr.) – Drug Development Specialist, and
- Ademola Ladele (Prof) – Agricultural Extensionist.
The scientists said that the plant is a herbal alternative and cures the symptoms associated with the COVID19. These symptoms include dry cough, respiratory failures, fever, and chronic flu. The plant can be taken as a tea extract.
The Inspiration
The study of the mucus plug of the airways and nasal chamber inspired the scientists to do this work. This mucus is majorly the cause of seizure and death from COVID19. According to the scientists, the Euphorbia Hirta herb softens and releases the mucus as phlegm. The herb is safe as tea extract and should be taken for six consecutive days for good results.
Prof Awodoyin
“Just get a handful of the plant, steep in boiling water for 15 minutes. Drink freely, as the taste is pleasant. I use it at my family level. I don’t even use it for more than three days before getting an immediate result,”
Prof Awodoyin et al emphasized that medicinal plants had curative actions due to the presence of complex chemical constituents. According to them, there is no evidence yet that the Euphorbia Hirta plant can totally cure Coronavirus. Using the plant helps COVID19 patients to breathe with ease. Therefore, It is useful in mitigating some of the symptoms like fever, coughing, and respiratory challenges.
We can
Truly, this Pandemic can bring the best in us.
“A research group at the University of Ibadan is exploring the benefits of other similar plants for the adequate cure of chronic flu and other respiratory diseases, including COVID19,” Prof Awodoyin said.
