Extracts from the Fah Talai Jone (Andrographis Paniculata) medicinal plant have proven effective in improving the condition of those infected with COVID-19, after the traditional medicine was administered during clinical trials, jointly conducted by the Faculty of Medicine of Siriraj hospital, the Chulabhorn Research Institute, the Medical Science Department, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).

Dr. Amporn Benjapholpitak, DTAM director-general, said today that the patients, who tested positive for COVID-19 within 72 hours of developing symptoms, saw their condition improve after they received the medicine.

She said that laboratory research found the extract from the plant is effective at killing the COVID-19 virus and preventing it from multiplying, but it is not effective at preventing cells from being infected by it.

After the positive lab tests, she said that clinical trials were conducted on several quarantined patients, under treatment at Samut Prakan hospital, each of whom was given 180 milligrams of Fah Talai Jone extract per day. All of them started showing signs of improvement on the third day of the treatment.

Symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, muscle pains, headache and runny nose among the patients eased without complications, while liver and kidney functions were normal, said Dr. Amporn adding, however, that results regarding pro-inflammatory cytokines are still pending with the Faculty of Medicine of Siriraj hospital.

In the next step, she said that the research, to be conducted with the Chulabhorn Research Institute, will focus on the content of substances found in the body after high doses of Fah Talai Jone extracts are administered.

She went on to say that the Chiang Rai Hospital was thrilled by the clinical trial results and has expressed interest in participating in the study of Fah Talai Jone in the treatment of COVID-19.