This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
Kenya Medical Research Institute Explores Locally Made Herbal Drug for COVID-19 Treatment ¶
Published on June 16, 2020, at 11:45 AM
Scientists at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) are exploring various herbal remedies, including Zedupex, to find a cure for the novel coronavirus that has infected 3,727 Kenyans and claimed the lives of 104 others.
One of the herbal drugs being worked on by the researchers is Zedupex, which has shown anti-viral activity. The drug is made from the medicinal tree Carissa edulis, indigenous to parts of East Africa and Asia.
According to Dr. Festus Tolo, the chief research scientist at KEMRI, Zedupex has shown potent anti-viral activity against the herpes virus. 'The lead product we are looking at is Zedupex. This is a product which was developed six to seven years ago and we were able to establish that it has potent anti-viral activity against herpes virus - the one that causes human herpes,' Dr. Tolo told Citizen TV.
Carissa edulis is a medicinal plant used by traditional communities in Kenya to treat various diseases, including toothache, high blood pressure, and indigestion.
Dr. Peter Mwitari, the deputy director for the centre for traditional medicine and drug research at KEMRI, said Zedupex had undergone its first review and was being evaluated before being given final approvals. He urged Parliament to fast-track the legislation to guide the use of the drug.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is working with 70 African traditional medicine experts as part of its search for a coronavirus cure. The WHO's regional office for Africa said the meeting with experts across Africa focused on the role of traditional herbal medicine in the COVID-19 response.
