Tuklas Lunas trial on herbal anti-dengue capsule to finish soon
The Tuklas Lunas program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) remains in full swing as one of its projects is set for completion soon.
The clinical trial, which costs nearly PHP 12 million and is being implemented by Pharmalytics Corporation, is funded by the DOST through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study—which is being conducted in Cavite—aims to determine the efficacy and safety of an herbal capsule when taken orally by adults with dengue fever showing no warning signs.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection whose incidence has been steadily increasing in tropical countries, particularly in the Philippines where it is considered as one of the top health problems.
Once proven safe and effective, the herbal capsule will be the first definitive treatment for dengue. It could pave the way for use in cases showing warning signs and even in severe types.
On the economic side, farmers can benefit from cultivating any of the three medicinal plants, the increased demand for which may come from local pharmaceutical companies that could manufacture the treatment for domestic and even overseas markets.
Interested parties may contact Dr. Josefino Alvero, president of Pharmalytics Corporation, through email at jralvero@yahoo.com.
The Tuklas Lunas program trial on herbal anti-dengue capsule is one of the technologies and innovations that will be presented in the Big 21 in 2021 launch on 7 September 2021, 10:00AM, to be broadcast live at the DOST-Philippines Facebook page. (By Allyster A. Endozo, DOST-STII and photos from DOST-PCHRD)
Anti-dengue capsules developed by Pharmalytics Corporation containing ingredients from locally available plants—tawa-tawa, banaba, and luya.
Herbal anti-dengue capsules being tested for efficacy and safety among study participants in Cavite.
