COVID 19: Prevention and treatment through the Indian perspective.

The most destructive period the world has experienced seems to be behind us. Not a single nation was spared by this disease, and many continue to struggle today. Even after recovering from COVID, patient may continue to experience some post-COVID effects, such as heart irregularities or a decline in lung vitality. In the past three years (2019-2022), the world has witnessed the power of a small entity, a single peculiar virus. Science initially appeared to be helpless in this regard, but due to the emergence of disease, pharmaceutics (the development of anti-covid drugs), immunology (the rapid antigen test), microbiology (the isolation of viruses from infected people), biotechnology (the development of recombinant vaccines), biochemistry (the blood profile, the D-dimer test), and biochemistry (blood profile, D-dimer test), biophysics (PCR, RT-PCR, CT Scan, MRI) had worked together to fight the disease. The results of these efforts are the development of new diagnostic techniques, possible treatment and finally the availability of vaccines against COVID-19. However, it is not proven that the treatment through the traditional medical system is directly active on SARS-CoV-2 but is instead indirectly acting on SARS-CoV-2 effects by improving symptoms derived from the viral disease. In India, the traditional system of medicine and tradition knowledge together worked in the pandemic and proved effective strategies in prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2. The use of effective masks, PPE kits, plasma therapy, yoga, lockdowns and social seclusion, use of modern antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, herbal remedies, homoeopathy, hygienic practice, as well as the willpower of people, are all contributing to the fight against COVID. Which methods or practices will be effective against COVID nobody is aware since medical professionals who wear PPE kits do not live longer, and some people in India who remained unprotected and roamed freely were not susceptible to infection. The focus of this review is on the mode of transmission, diagnosis, preventive measures, vaccines currently under development, modern medicine developed against SARS-CoV-2, ayurvedic medicine used during pandemic, homoeopathic medicine used during pandemic, and specific yoga poses that can be used to lessen COVID-related symptoms.

Prevalence of COVID-19 Complications during a Program of Homeopathic Camphora Officinalis Distribution to City Populations of Santa Catarina, Brazil: An Ecological Study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, was declared a pandemic in March 2020, posing significant challenges globally. Homeopathy has historical relevance in epidemic management. In response, the government of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, distributed Camphora 1M as a potential prophylactic intervention for COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of Camphora 1M as an adjunctive prophylactic measure in managing COVID-19, focusing on mortality and hospitalization rates, during the period April 28 to July 31, 2020, within designated COVID-19 in-patient units in Santa Catarina. METHODS: An ecological study design was applied to this epidemiological research. Five case municipalities (Itajaí, Atalanta, Entre Rios, Rio do Campo, Trombudo Central) were compared with five control municipalities (São José, Galvão, Pedras Grandes, Grão-Pará, Ascurra). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in predictor variables between municipalities that received Camphora 1M and the respective controls. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed in outcomes: deaths (p = 0.879), hospitalized cases (p = 0.537), daily ward admissions (p = 0.730) and ICU admissions (p = 0.072). CONCLUSION: For the first wave of the pandemic in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, city-wide distribution of Camphora 1M was not associated with reduced numbers, severity or mortality among the population hospitalized in designated public hospitals for COVID-19.

Association between Usage of Prophylactic AYUSH Medicines and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Prior vaccination is often studied for its impact on individuals' post-infection prognosis. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) medicines, advised by the Government of India as prophylaxis during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, were consumed by the masses in 2020. A study was therefore undertaken to observe any association between the prior usage of AYUSH prophylactic medicines and post-infection severity as reported by recovered COVID-19 individuals. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multi-centre, cohort study conducted in 21 cities of India from 5th August to 30th November 2020. Data from recovered COVID-19 patients, of either sex or any age, captured information about AYUSH prophylactic medicines intake prior to infection, disease severity, symptomatology, duration of complaints, etc. The study participants were grouped into AYUSH intake and non-intake. Primary composite outcome was the disease clinical course. Secondary clinical outcomes were the rate of and time to clinical recovery. RESULTS: Data of 5,023 persons were analysed. Ayurveda or homeopathic prophylactic medicines were consumed by more than half of the study participants: that is, 56.85% (n = 1,556) and 56.81% (n = 1,555) respectively. The overall adjusted protective effect (PE) of AYUSH prophylactic intake against moderate/severe forms of COVID-19 disease was 56.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.7 to 63.50; p < 0.001). Adjusted PE for homeopathy and Siddha was 52.9% (95% CI, 42.30 to 61.50; p < 0.001) and 59.8% (95% CI, 37.80 to 74.10; p < 0.001), respectively. A statistically significant association was found between AYUSH prophylactic medicine intake and clinical recovery more frequently by the 3rd day of illness (χ2 = 9.01; p = 0.002). Time to resolution of symptoms in the AYUSH intake group was on average 0.3 days earlier than in the non-intake group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: AYUSH prophylactics were associated with statistically significant levels of protection against COVID-19 disease severity. Amongst these, previous intake of homeopathy or Siddha medicines was associated with some protection against moderate/severe illness and with a somewhat quicker clinical recovery. Prospective studies with experimental research design are needed to validate the findings of this study. STUDY REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2020/08/027000).

A Systematic Analysis of COVID-19 Clinical Trials Registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India.

BACKGROUND: The Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) database is a registry of various trials conducted in India and this study scrutinized the studies registered for COVID-19 from the database to detect patterns in trial design, appraising the target regions of therapies and comprehending the terrain of research endeavors. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed the registered trials for COVID-19 between March 2020 and September 2023. A trial search was conducted on the CTRI database to include all types of studies registered for COVID-19 with keywords like "COVID" and "coronavirus" and studies conducted on conditions other than COVID-19 were excluded. The data regarding study characteristics were noted under various sections in a preformed proforma. RESULTS: A total of 807 trials were taken for final analysis and there were about 344 prospective and 260 retrospective interventional trials, 35 prospective and 165 retrospective observational studies, and two prospective and one retrospective post-marketing surveillance study. The majority of the studies had duration under 12 months (91%). The maximum number of studies were registered from AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and allied therapies (n = 283), with about 104 types of interventions, followed by the drug category having 119 trials registered and about 57 types of interventions. Kabasura Kudineer and yoga in the AYUSH category, molnupiravir, colchicine, and favipiravir in the drug category, and tocilizumab and convalescent plasma among biologics were some common interventions used. The majority of trials did not mention the trial phase and declared it as not applicable (54%), whereas 15% were registered as phase 2 and 13% as phase 3. About 54% of the studies were randomized and randomized parallel-group design (20%) was the most common study design. Only 6% of the trials were post-graduate thesis and the majority of the trials (n = 535) denied sharing their individual participant data. Only 0.86% and 0.61% of the trials were terminated and suspended, respectively, denoting proper design and conduct of the trials. CONCLUSION: In the CTRI database, the majority of trials were prospective interventional studies, with a predominance of AYUSH therapies and drug interventions. Common interventions included Kabasura Kudineer and yoga in AYUSH, and molnupiravir, colchicine, and favipiravir in drugs. Most studies had durations under 12 months and randomized parallel-group design was the most common study design. The intention to use and promote an indigenous system of medicine looks promising in the absence of any definite therapy. A minute number of registered suspended and terminated trials might be a positive picture of meticulously designed and executed trials even during a pandemic situation in India.

Ayush [Indian System of Medicines] Prophylaxis Against COVID-19: A Living Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Second Update).

Background: Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) system of medicine has been extensively used in India for the prevention and management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present report is the second update of a living systematic review and meta-analysis and has been intended to assess the preventive potential and safety of Ayush drugs against COVID-19. Methods: A search of databases such as PubMed, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials, the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 database, the clinical trial registry-India, the AYUSH research portal, and preprint repositories was performed till March 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials or analytical observational studies were included. Incidences of COVID-19 infections and mortality were taken as primary outcome measures; and symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, incidences of hospital admissions, and adverse events were taken as secondary outcomes. The risk of bias was evaluated by version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Data were synthesized through the RevMan 5.4 tool, and the certainty of the evidence was ranked through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: Out of 2350 articles, 15 studies were included in the review. The pooled estimate of Guduchi [Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers], Chyawanprasha, and Ayuraksha kit was obtained. Meta-analysis of the data suggested that Guduchi may reduce the incidences of COVID-19 infections (risk ratio [RR]: 0.67 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.48-0.95]) and the symptom development among the infected (RR: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.73-1.08]), however, no change was observed in hospital admissions (RR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.20-4.53]). It is uncertain that Chyawanprasha reduces the incidence of COVID-19 infection (RR: 0.28; [95% CI: 0.07-1.08]). Ayuraksha kit as chemoprophylaxis may reduce the incidences of COVID-19 infections (RR: 0.49; [95% CI: 0.32-0.77]). The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate mainly due to the serious risk of bias. Conclusion: Prophylactic use of Ayush medicines for populations at risk may help to prevent COVID-19 infection by reducing incidence and severity. However, considering the certainty and fewer studies, high-quality studies are still desired to confirm the efficacy and safety of Ayush chemoprophylaxis for COVID-19. Nevertheless, this update will serve as a torchbearer for policymakers, physicians, and other stakeholders for their decision-making through evidence-based medicine.

Prespecified Homeopathic Medicines in the Prevention of Confirmed and Suspected Cases of COVID-19: A Community-Based, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prophylaxis Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Homeopathic medicines have been used for decades in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. However, the preventive efficacy of specific homeopathic medicines in COVID-19 is not well characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of prespecified homeopathic medicines in preventing COVID-19. METHODS: A community-based, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 4,034 participants residing in Ward No. 27 of the Howrah Municipal Corporation in India. Participants were randomized to receive one of three prespecified homeopathic medicines [Influenzinum 30C, Arsenicum album 30C, Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200K (Oscillococcinum®)], or placebo. The outcomes were the incidence of laboratory-confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 during a follow-up period of 1 month. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, a total of 13 new laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the study population. Among these, 5 cases in Influenzinum group, 2 cases in Arsenicum album group, 1 case in Oscillococcinum® group, and 5 cases in Placebo group were reported. On the other hand, number of suspected COVID-19 cases was significantly less in all the three homeopathic medicine groups compared to placebo. The least number of suspected cases reported in the Oscillococcinum® group (aOR: 0.058; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.029, 0.114), followed by the Arsenicum album (aOR: 0.337; 95% CI: 0.238, 0.475) and Influenzinum (aOR: 0.539; 95% CI: 0.401, 0.726) groups. CONCLUSION: Prespecified homeopathic medicines, particularly Oscillococcinum® and Arsenicum album 30C, may have a role in preventing COVID-19, especially in reducing the incidence of suspected or COVID-19-like respiratory illnesses. However, the result failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of confirmed cases of COVID-19 between the study groups. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these medicines in different populations and settings.Homöopathische Arzneimittel werden seit Jahrzehnten zur Prävention und Behandlung von Infektionskrankheiten eingesetzt. Die Wirksamkeit spezifischer homöopathischer Arzneimittel zur Prophylaxe von COVID-19 ist jedoch nicht gut untersucht. Mit dieser Studie sollte die vergleichende Wirksamkeit spezifischer homöopathischer Arzneimittel bei der Prävention von COVID-19 untersucht werden.Es handelte sich um eine gemeindebasierte, doppelblinde, randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Studie mit 4.034 Teilnehmern, die im Bezirk Nr. 27 der Howrah Municipal Corporation in Indien lebten. Die Teilnehmer erhielten randomisiert eines von drei zuvor festgelegten homöopathischen Arzneimitteln [Influenzinum 30C, Arsenicum album 30C, Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200K (Oscillococcinum®)] oder Placebo. Zielkriterien waren die Inzidenz von laborchemisch bestätigten und vermuteten COVID-19-Fällen während des Follow-up-Zeitraums von einem Monat.Während des Follow-up-Zeitraums wurden insgesamt 13 neue, laborchemisch bestätigte COVID-19-Fälle in der Studienpopulation berichtet, davon 5 Fälle in der Influenzinum-Gruppe, 2 Fälle in der Arsenicum album-Gruppe, 1 Fall in der Oscillococcinum®-Gruppe und 5 Fälle in der Placebo-Gruppe. Demgegenüber fiel Zahl der COVID-19-Verdachtsfälle in allen drei homöopathischen Arzneimittelgruppen signifikant geringer aus als in der Placebogruppe. Die wenigsten Verdachtsfälle wurden in der Oscillococcinum®-Gruppe berichtet (aOR: 0.058; 95%-KI: 0.029, 0.114), gefolgt von der Arsenicum album- (aOR: 0.337; 95%-KI: 0.238, 0.475) und der Influenzinum- (aOR: 0.539; 95%-KI: 0.401, 0.726) Gruppe.Spezifische homöopathische Arzneimittel, insbesondere Oscillococcinum® und Arsenicum album 30C, könnten bei der Prävention von COVID-19 eine Rolle spielen, vor allem bei der Senkung der Inzidenz von COVID-19-Verdachtsfällen oder COVID-19-ähnlichen Atemwegserkrankungen. Allerdings war kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied im Auftreten von bestätigten COVID-19-Fällen zwischen den Studiengruppen nachweisbar. Weitere Untersuchungen sind erforderlich, um die Wirksamkeit dieser Arzneimittel in verschiedenen Populationen und Umgebungen zu bewerten.

Antiviral Activity of Cinchona officinalis, a Homeopathic Medicine, against COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potentially fatal disease caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several studies have shown that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infections in vitro. OBJECTIVE: Since the phytoconstituents of Cinchona officinalis (CO) are similar to those of HCQ, the objective of this study was to test the antiviral potential of different homeopathic formulations of CO. METHODS: An analysis of the molecular composition of CO was carried out using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by a detailed docking study. The constituents of CO were docked against various targets of SARS-CoV-2, and the binding potential of the phytoconstituents was compared and quantified. The ligand with the lowest Glide docking score is considered to have the best binding affinity. The cytotoxicity of several homeopathic formulations, including CO mother tincture (CO-MT), was also checked on VeroE6 cells. A known antiviral, remdesivir, was used as a positive control for the in vitro assays to evaluate the effects of CO-MT against SARS-CoV-2-infected VeroE6 cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking studies showed that constituents of CO exhibited binding potential to various targets of SARS-CoV-2, including Mpro, PLpro, RdRp, nucleocapsid protein, ACE2 (in host) and spike protein. Quinoline, one of the constituents of CO, can potentially bind the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Quinic acid showed better binding capabilities with Mpro, PLpro RdRp, nucleocapsid protein and ACE2 (allosteric site) than other constituents. Quinidine exhibited better binding to ACE2. Compared to HCQ, other phytoconstituents of CO had the equivalent potential to bind the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, nucleocapsid protein, Mpro, PLpro and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. In vitro assays showed that homeopathic CO-MT was not cytotoxic and that CO-MT and remdesivir respectively caused 89% and 99% inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in VeroE6 cells. CONCLUSION: Based on this in silico and in vitro evidence, we propose CO-MT as a promising antiviral medicine candidate for treating COVID-19. In vivo investigation is required to clarify the therapeutic potential of CO-MT in COVID-19.

Strange, Rare and Peculiar Symptoms of COVID-19 Cases Managed by Practitioners of the Homeopathy Help Network.

BACKGROUND: More than 670 million people have been infected by COVID-19. This case series reports 8 of 55 cases in a broader study of COVID-positive clients who sought homeopathic care for symptoms. Existing studies of homeopathy and COVID-19 have sometimes failed to employ the underpinning theoretical framework of homeopathy-the genus epidemicus. Special focus has been placed on standout symptoms not often reported in conventional medical outlets, known among homeopaths as "strange, rare and peculiar" (SRP) symptoms. The Homeopathy Help Network (HHN) team of practitioners noted SRP symptoms across dozens of cases and studied how they shifted collectively as different variants of the virus emerged. METHODS: COVID-positive individuals self-selected for individualized care for their symptoms using homeopathy. They received tele-health consultations and individualized homeopathy interventions in an out-patient homeopathy clinical setting. Clients were seen by individual professional homeopathy practitioners and students under supervision working at the HHN in the United States. Cases for the series were hand-picked with the aim of being an average representation of the more than 4,000 COVID-positive cases seen by members of the HHN. Cases in the full compendium are grouped according to a predominant case feature: Multiple remedies, Posology, Time ill, Single remedy resolution, Hospitalization and, in this case series, SRP symptoms. RESULTS: SRP symptoms included: continually on the verge of unconsciousness; dark green stools; very low pulse alternating with tachycardia; sensation of strong or burning chemical smells; sensation of inhaling water through the nose; recurring electric shock sensations in head or extremities; yellow-green stools. CONCLUSION: Collective SRP symptoms from the pandemic provided the opportunity to study the hallmark features of COVID-19 in depth. The importance of these symptoms highlights the applicability of Hahnemannian principles and good case-taking practices.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Fatigue in Adults: Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is leading to unknown and unusual health conditions that are challenging to manage. Post-COVID-19 fatigue is one of those challenges, becoming increasingly common as the pandemic evolves, as it impairs the quality of life of an individual. This trial attempts to identify the preliminary evidence of the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) against placebos in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue in adults. METHODS: A 3-month, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial was conducted at the outpatient department of The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, India. Sixty participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos (n = 30). The primary and secondary outcome measures were the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL), respectively, measured every month, for up to 3 months. Comparative analysis was carried out on the intention-to-treat sample to detect group differences. RESULTS: Group differences in both the primary (FAS total: F1, 58 = 14.356, p < 0.001) and secondary outcomes (ORIDL: F1, 58 = 210.986, p < 0.001) after 3 months favored IHMs against placebos. Lycopodium clavatum (11.7%), sulfur (11.7%), Arsenicum album (10%), and Thuja occidentalis (10%) were the most frequently indicated medicines. No harm, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations, or any serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. CONCLUSION: IHMs produced significantly better effects than placebos in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue in adults. Definitive robust trials may be undertaken to confirm the findings.Die Coronainfektion (COVID-19) zieht unbekannte und ungewöhnliche gesundheitliche Probleme nach sich, deren Management oft eine Herausforderung darstellt. Das gilt unter anderem für Ermüdung nach einer COVID-19-Erkrankung, die mit zunehmender Dauer der Pandemie immer häufiger auftritt und die Lebensqualität der Betroffenen beeinträchtigt. In dieser Studie wird versucht, vorläufige Belege für die Wirksamkeit individualisierter homöopathischer Mittel (IHM) im Vergleich zu Placebo zur Behandlung von Ermüdung nach COVID-19 bei Erwachsenen zu identifizieren.Eine einfach verblindete, randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Parallelgruppenstudie von 3 Monaten Dauer wurde im ambulanten Bereich des Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in Indien durchgeführt. 60 Teilnehmer erhielten nach Randomisierung im Verhältnis 1:1 entweder IHM (n = 30) oder identisch aussehendes Placebo (n = 30). Die primäre und die sekundäre Zielgröße waren die Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) und das Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) für bis zu 3 Monate, jeweils monatlich gemessen. Vergleichende Analysen wurden an der Intent-to-treat-Population durchgeführt, um Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen zu erkennen.Gruppenunterschiede bei der primären (FAS gesamt: F1, 58 = 14,356; p < 0.001) sowie der sekundären Zielgröße (ORIDL: F1, 58 = 210,986; p < 0.001) nach 3 Monaten sprachen für die IHM gegenüber Placebo. Lycopodium clavatum (11.7%), sulfur (11.7%), Arsenicum album (10%) und Thuja occidentalis (10%) waren die am häufigsten indizierten Mittel. In beiden Gruppen wurden keine Schädigungen, unbeabsichtigten Wirkungen, homöopathischen Verschlechterungen oder jegliche schwerwiegenden unerwünschten Ereignisse beobachtet.Die IHM erzielten signifikant bessere Effekte als Placebo in der Behandlung von Post-COVID-Ermüdung bei Erwachsenen. Definitive, belastbare Studien können eingeleitet werden, um diese Befunde zu bestätigen.

Homeopatia: uma forma de tratamento e prevenção da COVID-19. Revisão da literatura / Homeopathy: a form of treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Review

A COVID-19 é uma doença multifatorial infecciosa causada pela SARS-COV-2, cepa advinda de uma ampla família de vírus, que podem causar desde um resfriado comum até doenças mais graves, como síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG). Reportada primariamente em Wuang, na China, no ano de 2019, esta doença foi declarada pandemia pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) no ano seguinte. A manifestação da doença pode variar de pessoas assintomáticas, a casos leves, moderados e graves. Por na época ser uma doença com alta transmissibilidade, virulência e mortalidade, as organizações de saúde se esforçaram para criar o mais rápido possível vacinas para evitar as formas mais graves desta patologia. Em contrapartida, os praticantes da homeopatia hahnemanniana focaram em pesquisar medicamentos homeopáticos para curar e prevenir, por meio do "gênio epidêmico", ou seja, conforme o conjunto de sinais e sintomas peculiares à doença coletiva. Diversos medicamentos foram considerados para prevenir e tratar a COVID-19, com resultados positivos em sua maioria. No entanto, há ainda a necessidade de realizar estudos com uma qualidade metodológica mais rigorosa para se obter evidências científicas melhores.

COVID-19 is a multifactorial infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a strain derived from a broad family of viruses that can cause anything from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Initially reported in Wuhan, China, in 2019, this disease was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) the following year. The manifestation of the disease can vary from asymptomatic individuals to mild, moderate, and severe cases. At the time, as it was a disease with high transmissibility, virulence, and mortality, health organisations made efforts to create vaccines as quickly as possible to prevent the more severe forms of this pathology. In contrast, practitioners of Hahnemannian homeopathy focused on researching homeopathic remedies to cure and prevent it through the "epidemic genius", which means according to the set of peculiar signs and symptoms of the collective disease. Various remedies were considered to prevent and treat COVID-19, with mostly positive results. However, there is still a need to conduct studies with more rigorous methodological quality to obtain better scientific evidence.

Non-vaccination of dogs is linked to uncompleted COVID-19 vaccination protocols of owners.

Despite the known importance of vaccines as one of the greatest achievements in medical science, vaccine hesitancy has been increasing in the last decade and has become a major threat to global health. The growth of vaccine hesitancy worldwide became more evident with the onset of COVID-19 and raised the fear that this hesitancy would also impact companion animal vaccination. This study aimed to characterize vaccine-hesitant groups regarding companion animals and human vaccinations, as well as to explore the possible association between vaccine hesitancy in pets and their owners. An anonymous online survey containing 27 closed questions was conducted, including questions about dog health, such as vaccination, neutering, and homeopathy use, as well as questions about the COVID-19 vaccination status of the owner and motivations for vaccinating or not vaccinating their pets. Most participants (81.5 %) reported receiving three or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Not vaccinating against COVID-19 or having an incomplete vaccination protocol was associated with an increase in the age range of participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43), not having higher education (OR = 7.70), and being in extreme income ranges (less than two minimum wages [OR = 7.57] and more than 10 [OR = 5.20]). The use of homeopathy in humans (OR = 3.24) and dogs (OR = 3.74) was associated with non-vaccination against COVID-19. Owners who were not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were almost six times more likely to not vaccinate their dogs (OR = 5.94). Non-vaccination of dogs was also associated with non-neutering (OR = 3.56), keeping the dog in contact with other dogs (OR = 2.09), and an increase in the number of dogs in the house increased the chance of not vaccinating the animals (OR = 1.30). The present study revealed a strong association between non-vaccination against COVID-19 and non-vaccination in companion dogs, raising the hypothesis that vaccination hesitancy is a growing challenge in veterinary medicine. In addition, the characteristics of Brazilians who are reluctant to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or immunize their companion animals are described here for the first time.

Randomised controlled trial to compare efficacy of standard care alone and in combination with homoeopathic treatment of moderate/severe COVID-19 cases.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: No definite treatment is known for COVID-19 till date. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of customized Homoeopathic medicines, when used as an add-on treatment to Standard of Care (SOC), in patients suffering from moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial where 214 COVID19-positive patients were screened for moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. Adjuvant homoeopathic medicines were given in the treatment group and SOC was given to both groups. The duration of oxygen support was compared as the primary outcome. Subjects were followed for 28 days or till the end-point of mechanical ventilation/ death. RESULTS: Of 129 subjects included, 57 and 55 were severe; and 8 and 9 were moderate cases in Homoeopathy and SOC arms, respectively. In all, 9 (15.2%) participants in Homoeopathy and 20 (32.2%) participants in SOC arms eventually expired (p<0.05). Oxygen support was required for 9.84±7.00 and 14.92±7.549 days in Homoeopathy and SOC arms, respectively (p<0.005). Subjects receiving Homoeopathy (12.9±6.days) had a shorter hospitalization stay than in SOC (14.9±7.5 days). Homoeopathy arm (10.6±5.7 days) also showed statistically significant mean conversion time of of Realtime-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) from positive to negative than the SOC arm (12.9±5.6 days). The mean score of Clinical Outcome Ordinal Scale (COOS) was lower in the Homoeopathy arm. Laboratory markers [Interleukins (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophils-Lymphocytes ratio (NLR)]were normalized earlier in Homoeopathy arm. CONCLUSION: Homoeopathy, as add-on therapy with SOC for COVID-19 management, demonstrates a reduction in mortality and morbidity, by reduced requirement of oxygen and hospitalization. Some laboratory markers are normalized at an earlier time. Hence, there is overall control over the disease. Registry: The study was registered on the http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials website under identifier number: CTRI/2020/12/029668 on 9th December 2020.

Immunological Responses of Arsenicum album 30CH to Combat COVID-19: Protocol for a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a recent major public health concern caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with approximately 44.6 million COVID-19-positive cases and 530,000 deaths in India (as of February 1, 2023). The COVID-19 vaccination drive in India was initiated in January 2021; however, an effective preventive strategy with high efficacy and immunological safety remains elusive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the immunogenic responses of Arsenicum album 30CH (AA30CH) as COVID-19 prophylaxis, including assessment of immunological markers, innate and acquired immune responses, COVID-19 symptoms, and its associated antibody responses. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) will include two parallel comparator groups of AA30CH and placebo with an allocation ratio of 1:1 conducted in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The placebo or AA30CH will be administered in three intervention schedules and blood samples will be collected before and after each of the intervention schedules. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 112 participants per arm (with an expected dropout of 20%) will be screened. Immunogenic responses will be evaluated by determining the antigen density and modulation in immunological markers and lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4, CD8, CD24, CD27, CD38, CD4 interferon-γ, CD4 CD17, CD4 CD25 (activated T lymphocytes), T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (mature and immature), and natural killer cells on days 1, 5, 23,27, 45, 49, and 66. The innate and acquired immune responses will also be evaluated by a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) array profiler (84-gene set) before and after the study interventions. The toxicity status of AA30CH in study participants will be evaluated through hepatic, renal, and hematological parameters and peripheral smears on days 1, 5, 23, 27, 45, 49, and 66. The number of participants developing COVID-19-like symptoms per National Centre for Disease Control guidelines and the number of participants testing positive for COVID-19 in RT-PCR during follow-ups in any of the three intervention schedules will be identified. Moreover, a subgroup analysis will be used to assess the COVID-19 antibody responses between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. RESULTS: This RCT protocol has been approved by various committees and funded by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The project has been implemented in collaboration with the Department of Homoeopathy, Government of Kerala. The RCT was rolled out on January 25, 2023, and enrollment was completed April 3, 2023. The immunological assays will be conducted at the Department of Biotechnology-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India. CONCLUSIONS: This study will represent the first evaluation of the immunological efficacy and safety of AA30CH in an RCT, which may significantly impact the use of homeopathy as an evidence-based medicine approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2022/08/045089; https://tinyurl.com/mryrpkvk. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48479.

Cancer outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic: what Oncoral has to teach us about medical drug use and the perception of telemedicine.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare access and telemedicine has been widely deployed. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of this health crisis on treatment consumption and telemedicine development in outpatients treated by oral anti-cancer agents and followed by the Oncoral hospital/community multidisciplinary program where continuity care is maintained by a pharmacist/nurse pair. METHODS: A prospective monocentric study was conducted among cancer patients who received Oncoral telephone follow-up during the 1st lockdown in France using a 56-item questionnaire which covered sociodemographic data, patient medication management, and telehealth. RESULTS: 178 patients received Oncoral follow-up during the 1st lockdown and 67.4% responded to the questionnaire. During lockdown, 9.2% of patients took medication or CAM for fatigue, 6.7% for mood alteration, 10.8% for sleep disorder, 11.7% for stress and anxiety, and 12.5% to get more energy. Homeopathy consumption was triggered by the pandemic. Habits about getting drugs from the pharmacy changed significantly (p < 0.001), while other treatment habits did not. 83% of patients were satisfied by the telephone follow-up established, 69% would be in favor of repeating this in case of a new epidemic wave. Those most in favor of using telemedicine seemed to be the youngest (p < 0.001), with several dependent children (p < 0.007), high school degree or higher education (p = 0.023), and in work (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Health system reorganization enables to limit the impact of the crisis on patients' drug use in oncology care. Telemedicine is a promising public health tool.

The Assessment of the Spectrum of Preventive Measures Taken by Healthcare Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Survey-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: The first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created havoc and confusion in choosing appropriate treatment, as well as prophylaxis, due to its rapid surge, disease novelty, and lack of evidence-based literature. It was even more concerning among the healthcare workers (HCWs), who had to take care of patients, themselves, and their own families. OBJECTIVE: This online survey-based study targeted finding the various options for COVID-19 precautionary or prophylactic measures opted for by HCWs. METHODOLOGY: This was an observational study based on a predesigned questionnaire, which was floated online for three months after institutional ethical approval, just after the first wave of COVID-19 in 2021, targeting HCWs of different cadres (doctors, nurses, paramedics/laboratory technicians, etc.), ages, and sexes and HCWs hailing from across the country. Questions were focused on HCW's adopted measures, the order of preference and its reasons, and concerns related to safety and efficacy. Data was collected through Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA) into an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA) and analyzed by the latest Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) using appropriate statistics. RESULTS: The routine practice of standard precautionary measures (face mask, hand hygiene, and social distancing) and wearing a personal protective equipment (PPE) kit during the care of COVID-19-positive or COVID-19-suspected patients was adopted by the majority of HCWs, i.e., 306/312 (>98%) irrespective of cadre (p = 0.001). After the "routine measures," the most adopted measure by participant HCWs irrespective of profession, age, and gender was the consumption of allopathic drugs (n = 188; 60.26%). Anti-COVID-19 measures in the category of drugs used by healthcare providers (HCPs) were prophylactic allopathic drugs (60.26%), homeopathic drugs (11.86%), and other Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH)/traditional medical system drugs (11.86%). Vitamin C was the most consumed among all of the drugs for COVID-19 prophylaxis purposes. Non-drug measures espoused by the HCPs were physical exercises (46.47%), increased sleep duration (35.89%), change in dietary habits (42.62%), and spiritual measures (19.23%). CONCLUSION: The fear of COVID-19 imposed on the HCPs the obligation to use all the available preventive measures in spite of the lack of evidence on actual benefits. After the routine infection preventive measures, the most adopted measure by participant HCWs irrespective of profession, age, and gender was the consumption of prophylactic allopathic drugs (>60%), and the most non-drug preventive measures were the initiation of physical exercises and change in dietary habits. Adapting some form of physical exercise was more noted with males than females (p = 0.001), and it significantly increased with HCPs of higher age of >25 and >40 years than younger HCPs (58.6% versus 29.3%; p = 0.016). Females preferred more dietary and nutritional modifications.

Covid-19 cure perceptions and media use in India.

BACKGROUND: During the early phases of Covid-19, social media platforms became a significant source of misinformation, and India emerged as a global hotspot. Studies show that 'miracle cure' for preventing and treating Covid-19 infection has been a prominent topic of misinformation. This study explores the extent to which beliefs in cure for Covid-19 in three prominent medical traditions popular in India are associated with the exposure to and trust in various sources from which the public access information. METHODS: We conducted an online structured questionnaire survey of 500 respondents in August 2020 in four major cities of India. RESULTS: Despite the scientific consensus at that time that there was no cure for Covid-19, close to three-quarters of our respondents believe that there was a cure in at least one of the three popular medical traditions in India: Allopathy, Homeopathy, and Ayurveda. We find that exposure to and trust in WhatsApp are associated with false beliefs regarding the existence of a cure for Covid-19 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). While trust in science is associated with correct beliefs (p = 0.025), there is evidence that trust in government information may foster incorrect beliefs (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The high trust in scientific research and its potential ability to instill correct beliefs could be exploited to combat Covid-19 misinformation in India. Potential interventions such as awareness campaigns to increase digital media literacy, regulating social media platforms, and voluntary content regulation by social media platforms - might help policymakers tackle Covid-19 related misinformation effectively.

Papaverine: A Miraculous Alkaloid from Opium and Its Multimedicinal Application.

The pharmacological actions of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are quite substantial, and have recently attracted much attention. One of the principle benzylisoquinoline alkaloids has been found in the unripe seed capsules of Papaver somniferum L. Although it lacks analgesic effects and is unrelated to the compounds in the morphine class, it is a peripheral vasodilator and has a direct effect on vessels. It is reported to inhibit the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase in smooth muscles, and it has been observed to increase intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP. It induces coronary, cerebral, and pulmonary artery dilatation and helps to lower cerebral vascular resistance and enhance cerebral blood flow. Current pharmacological research has revealed that papaverine demonstrates a variety of biological activities, including activity against erectile dysfunction, postoperative vasospasms, and pulmonary vasoconstriction, as well as antiviral, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and gestational actions. It was recently demonstrated that papaverine has the potential to control SARS-CoV-2 by preventing its cytopathic effect. These experiments were carried out both in vitro and in vivo and require an extensive understanding of the mechanisms of action. With its multiple mechanisms, papaverine can be considered as a natural compound that is used to develop therapeutic drugs. To validate its applications, additional research is required into its precise therapeutic mechanisms as well as its acute and chronic toxicities. Therefore, the goal of this review is to discuss the major studies and reported clinical studies looking into the pharmacological effects of papaverine and the mechanisms of action underneath these effects. Additionally, it is recommended to conduct further research via significant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies.

Establishment of Neural Series Transmission Keys (NSTKs) and Security in the Field of COVID-19 Telepediatric Oral Health.

In this exceptional COVID-19 crisis, telemedicine had arisen as a substitute technique for medicines. Even more unequivocally, pediatric children were at high risk to outside homes. The spread of COVID-19 has suddenly ascended. Because of lockdown conventions and isolation protocols, kids were confined to live inside their homes. Non-emergency youngsters ought to be managed remotely through the telepediatric health. An establishment of Neural Series Transmission Keys (NSTKs) has been created and security had been planned on the intraoral data. Oral cavity is a kind of dental disease occurring in children. It is for the most cases caused due to drawn out bacterial invasions. Bacterial attacks are more because of sticky chocolates, desserts, sugar, and so forth. Homeopathy medicines are the best prescribed to fix such dental diseases in this current unprecedented COVID-19. Since, it needs no dental medical procedure for the non-invasive kids, which is the reason that the homeopathy medicines are most appropriate in this COVID-19 lockdown stages. The doctor can gather symptoms of the kids from their parents through online interfaces. Some of the normal homeopathy drugs are: Kreasotum, Mercurius, Mezereum, etc. Moreover, in this pandemic situation online telepediatric homeopathy medicines were better alternatives to investigate from home disengages. Additionally it bears no voyaging consumptions and costs. Secure online transmission of clinical pediatric information has been the most challenging issue in COVID-19 telepediatric oral wellbeing. Data mystery factor is protected with tendency in this proposed cryptographic technique. Neural Series Transmission Keys (NSTKs) were established based on neural network based hamming codes. It has been diffused inside the intraoral pediatric data. The proposed key was so particularly amazing that it gives assorted blend after each bit of evolving. Beginning seeds were kept at the dentists and the patients, in order to go against external attacks inside the public channel, especially during this hyper digitized COVID-19 times. Standard graphs were drawn with accuracy using the proposed cryptographic method. The absolute cryptographic time in this strategy was 2.88 ms which was significantly important. By applying Chi Square test, we have noted χ 2 = 17.012, under 5% level of significance.