By Gita Fardani
While the COVID-19 pandemic has suppressed many economic activities, it has had a positive impact for some industries, one of the which is the pharmaceutical industry.
Not surprisingly, sales of supplements, drugs and even herbal remedies that purportedly strengthen the immune system and body’s resistance increased in Indonesia once the pandemic hit.
As we wait for a vaccine, various new supplements will also emerge, many with claims of being able to prevent COVID-19 by building resistance and immunity. But before being tempted by these claims, we should rely on sound research to prove that these supplements can actually work as claimed. In the manufacture of health products in general, while vitamins are vital ingredients, other additions also support and enhance the effectiveness of the supplements.
While there is no real evidence that consuming certain minerals or supplements can prevent COVID-19, many studies have proven the efficacy of certain minerals and supplements in fighting infections, such as Zinc and Vitamin C.
Zinc deficiency hampers the body’s immune function and response to infectious diseases. A number of studies have shown that zinc supplementation reduces the risk of acute respiratory infections, and accelerates the recovery process when down with a cold.
Vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent tissue damage, fight infection and support the immune system. However, the role and potential of Vitamin C in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 is still being studied. Even so, there is nothing wrong with wanting to take supplements. But it is always best to use it as directed or check with your doctor, as although it is not a drug, supplements can also cause side effects if consumed in excess.
Along with the increasing demand for drugs or supplements that can fight COVID-19, research in this field has also increased, which has also led to related patent applications. For example, in May 2020 the Agricultural Research and Development Agency (Balitbangtan) of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture filed three patent applications after carrying out tests on the eucalyptus plant for its antiviral qualities, namely:
- Aromatic formula of Eucalyptus oil-based anti-virus
- Formulation and manufacturing method thereof for eucalyptus-based antiviral inhaler
- Formulation of eucalyptus-based antivirus nanoencapsulation powder
The COVID-19 pandemic should not be considered as just an outbreak. In every difficulty there are lessons to be learned. In this case, we are placing our hopes on the wisdom and skill of researchers. A number of local and international researchers are competing to find solutions to alleviate this pandemic, such as looking for the right composition in the pharmaceutical field, which results in various new inventions that will benefit mankind.
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