Safety and Efficacy of Ayurvedic Formulation “Guduchi Ghana Vati” as a Preventive Remedy in COVID-19

Background: Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia ), a well-known Ayurvedic Herb used both as a preventive and curative remedy for various infections and immunity related conditions. Objective was to evaluate Guduchi Ghana Vati as a preventive remedy for COVID-19 and other non-COVID-19 infections in healthy population. Methodology: This was an open labelled, multi centric, randomized, comparative, interventional, prospective community based clinical study on healthy individuals at community level in five different districts of Rajasthan under National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Participants were divided into two groups in which one group received Guduchi Ghana Vati as the intervention for a period of 45 days while participants in the other group did not receive any intervention. Comparative assessment of incidence of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infections, its severity and requirement of hospitalization was done. Assessment of safety was done through assessment of adverse reactions. Results: Of a total of 10022 participants who completed the study, the rate of infection with COVID19 was observed to be lower in those taking Guduchi Ghana Vati as compared to those not taking it however the difference was statistically non-significant. The number of episodes and severity of infection related illnesses (non-COVID 19) was found to be less in participants taking Guduchi Ghana Vati as compared to those not taking it; the difference was statistically significant too. No major adverse drug reactions were observed. Conclusion: Guduchi Ghana Vati is a safe and effective remedy for the prevention of infection and immunity related conditions including COVID19.