A polyherbal formulation containing Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC., and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. helped reducing symptom intensity during and after Covid-19 infection: A retrospective, uncontrolled observational study

Abstract

Objectives

To retrospectively describe a local experience with a polyherbal formulation on reducing the symptoms of Covid-19 and the need for hospitalization. The formulation contained three species traditionally used for respiratory symptoms: Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae, “chambá” or “tilo”), Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. (Asteraceae, “macela”), and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae, “erva-botão” or “bhringraj”, synonym Eclipta alba L.).

Design

Observational, retrospective study.

Methods

More than 2000 adults with suspected Covid-19 received a polyherbal formulation with J. pectoralis, A. satureioides, and E. prostrata. About 20% of them were contacted by phone in an observational, retrospective study to assess the effects on symptom relief and hospitalizations. Two hundred patients were included. The identities and concentrations of the main compounds in the three species were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Participants reported substantial improvement in the following symptoms: weakness, pain, cough, headache, dysgeusia, anosmia, fever, dyspnea, odynophagia, diarrhea, chest pain, and conjunctivitis. The need for hospitalization was not significantly lower than the one found in the Brazilian population with Covid-19. The main compounds in the species were: quercetin, luteolin, and 3-O-methylquercetin in A. satureioides; umbelliferone and coumarin in J. pectoralis; and demethylwedelolactone and wedelolactone in E. prostrata.

Conclusions

A polyherbal formulation containing J. pectoralis, A. satureioides, and E. prostrata helped relieving symptoms of Covid-19 but did not reduce the need for hospitalization.