Research effort to test possible herbal treatment in addition to standard available treatment for COVID-19

[Sin Chew Daily 30 April 2020]

Sunway Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Centre, Sunway Healthcare Group, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Alumni Malaysia is bringing together their expertise to submit a research initiative on treatment options for COVID-19. This research looks into identifying possible Chinese herbal treatment in addition to standard care for patients infected with COVID-19.

The research will be led by Dr. Lim Ren Jye (Sunway TCM Consultant & Director) and Dr. Liew Chiat Fong (Medical Specialist, Sungai Buloh Hospital). Co-investigators will include Dr. Suresh Kumar A/L Chidambaram (Head of Department for Internal Medicine, Sungai Buloh Hospital), Ms Chan Si Yan (Pharmacist and Sunway TCM Centre Manager), three TCM physicians from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and one pharmacist from the National University of Singapore. The research team also consists of four international advisors to assist in the management part of the research.

This research will test the effectiveness of herbal medicine in addition to the standard care of treatment in confirmed COVID-19 cases that are clinically classified Grade 2 and above. The TCM management will refer to the guidelines set by the Chinese Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment to drive the research forward.

The research application was submitted in April this year and is currently awaiting approval from the MREC (Malaysia Research Ethical Committee) Board. The research will be partly funded by the Sunway TCM Centre, Sunway Healthcare Group and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Alumni Malaysia.

This effort is in line with the goals of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Blueprint 2018 - 2027 which aims to have traditional and complementary medicine contribute optimally to the national healthcare system and enhance the overall well-being of all Malaysians.

Source: Sin Chew Daily