The Department of Science and Technology says that the prospective alternative treatments need to be tested on a live virus, which means the study needs to be done outside the Philippines.
The Department of Science and Technology said that further study is still needed for the Philippines to be able to use virgin coconut oil and herbal plantsAt the Laging Handa briefing on Saturday, October 23, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said that the Food and Drug Administration has labeling requirements – in this case, that these could be used as alternative treatments for COVID-19.
"Ang requirement ng DOH kailangang mailagay ng FDA sa mga label na ito ay para sa COVID-19. Para magawa 'yon, may kailangan pa tayong gawin na study na kung saan 'yong live virus mismo ang paggagamitan natin nitong VCO, lagundi, at saka tawa-tawa,"But Guevara said that the Philippines does not have a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory where the coronavirus can be handled.In the region, Indonesia, India, and Singapore have BSL-3 laboratories.
In community trials, VCO reduced the symptoms, which could have prevented the progression of the infection.lagunditawa-tawa , meanwhile, showed that symptoms disappear between the third and fifth day since it was given to them. Asked if other countries have taken notice of the Philippine study, Guevara answered in the affirmative and said that they have been exchanging notes with some of their counterparts., the DOST said it was conducting clinical studies on the possible benefits of VCO for COVID-19 patients., according to the results of its Phase 3 trial.