Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy medicines as an adjuvant in the treatment of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and Objectives: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); India's traditional medical system has made significant contributions to COVID-19. However, the results of controlled trials were mixed. To reach factual conclusions, we conducted systematic study and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive literature search on COVID-19 and AYUSH was conducted using electroinic databases such as PubMed/Medline, CAM-QUEST, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials since inception to February 2022. Pooled estimates of the parameters were assessed in terms of standard mean difference (SMD) and relative risk (rr) using RevMan software. Risk of bias (RoB) in individual studies and across studies was assessed through Cochrane tool of bias and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, respectively. Results: A total of 13 studies out of 650 articles were considered for the meta-analysis. Combined therapy showed greater effect to recovery rate and period (RR = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.11–0.55] P = 0.0007) (mean differences [MD] = −2.29, 95% CI − 4.62–0.04, P = 0.05), respectively. Cycle threshold value of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (MD = −2.16, 95% CI − 2.90– −1.43, P < 0.00001), interleukin (IL)-6 (MD = −0.31, 95% CI − 0.57 –−0.05, P = 0.02), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (MD = −3.38, 95% CI − 4.25 – −2.51, P < 0.00001), lactate dehydrogenase (MD = −1.97, 95% CI − 2.57 to − 1.38, P < 0.00001). In homeopathy preventive trial, lesser number of occurrences of events were found (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03–0.47, P = 0.002). RoB was unclear. Conclusion: COVID-19 may benefit from AYUSH interventions as an adjunct. High-quality randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate and validate this.