These studies offer valuable insights into the potential development of KGR as a novelherbal-based preventive and therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present challenges
despite widespread vaccination efforts, with breakthrough infections remaining a concern.
This has led to increased interest in exploring alternative preventive measures,
including dietary and natural product-based interventions. Previous studies have
demonstrated the potential of herbal medicines in inhibiting viral infections and as
therapies for COVID-19. Additionally, research has identified various herbal medicines
with inhibitory properties against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) infection, highlighting their potential in combating the virus. Here
Researchers found that novel herbal medicine formula Kang Guan Recipe (KGR) is a potent
inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Researchers demonstrated that KGR showed
inhibitory activity against variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover,
they also found that KGR can block the interaction of viral Spike and human
angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Furthermore, Researchers assessed the inhibitory
effect of KGR on SARS-CoV-2 viral entry in vivo and observed that serum samples from
healthy human subjects exhibited suppressive activity against various SARS-CoV-2 variants
after consuming KGR. These studies offer valuable insights into the potential development
of KGR as a novel herbal-based preventive and therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
Combination Product: Kang Guan Recipe (Treat)
Accurately weigh the Chinese medicinal herbs in the formula by weight, conduct the origin
identification of the medicinal materials, and follow the scientific traditional Chinese
medicine preparation process. After extraction, concentration, and granulation, package
them in aluminum foil, with each package containing 6 grams of concentrated powder.
Combination Product: Kang Guan Recipe (Placebo)
Use 3% Kang Guan Recipe concentrated powder, mix evenly with starch, and package in
aluminum foil, with each package containing 6 grams of concentrated powder.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy participants aged 20-60 with a body weight of over 50 kilograms.
- Individuals who have never been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have recovered from
COVID-19 for more than three months.
- No consumption of any traditional Chinese medicine or food containing Chinese
medicine within the preceding 36 hours before the experiment.
- Vaccinated individuals who received their vaccine more than three months ago.
- Willingness to undergo venous blood tests (approximately 10 cc of blood to be drawn
three times).
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of major internal medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, abnormal liver function (AST
levels exceeding 5 times the normal value), renal dysfunction (eGFR <60), cancer,
etc.
- Brain disorders such as trauma, stroke, tumors, epilepsy, or dementia.
- Mental health disorders such as depression, anorexia nervosa, or schizophrenia.
- Pregnant or lactating women. If there is suspicion of pregnancy, a commercial urine
pregnancy test will be conducted.
- Smokers, alcoholics, or betel nut addicts.
- Inability to comply with the trial procedures.
- Inability to sign the informed consent form.
- Within three months of a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
- Within three months of receiving a vaccine shot.
China Medical University Hospital
Taichung 1668399, North District, Taiwan
Sheng-Teng Huang, MD PhD, Principal Investigator
China Medical University Hospital