‘To treat Covid patients, Ayush should consider kalmegh quath’

RG Soni is a former IFS officer, who holds a doctorate in life science and herbal medicinal plants. Prior to his retirement in 2014 as APCCF, Soni headed the Madhya Pradesh State Biodiversity Board. TOI talks to him on his promotion of kalmegh herb, which he claims is effective to beat coronavirus.
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Q. What is kalmegh?
A. Kalmegh or kadu chirayata (Andrographis Penniculata) is a herb also known as Bhuneem. It is powerful and can kill any virus. As per the latest research report published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease by China Humanity Technology Publishing House, kalmegh has anti-viral properties. The report states that kalmegh, whose botanical name is Andrographis penniculata, has exhibited various biological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-protozoan, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant etc.
Q. What about its usage?
A. It works as an immunity booster, blood purifier, anti-diabetic and enhances enzymes and increases lever performance. Kalmegh quath is anti-malarial as well. The dosage includes 20ml quath once in the morning for 15 days or thrice a day for 7 days to cure coronavirus.
Q. Any substantial results of kalmegh?
A. Kalmegh was earlier used to cure malaria as a traditional herbal medicine. I tried it to cure chickengunia and dengue with very positive results. It was also used as a prevention for malaria. There are no side-effects too.
Q. What about its availability?
A. Kalmegh is abundantly found in our forests. Its whole plant (panchang) is sold in shops selling forest medicines (jadibuti) and herbal medicine. It is also sold in the form of powder and liquid with the brand name Kalmegh. It is available for Rs300 per kg.
Q. Which states are using kalmegh for coronavirus?
A. The Tamil Nadu government has accepted it as an antidote to coronavirus. The government is officially distributing kalmegh quath through its distribution centres as one of the cures for coronavirus.
Q. The ministry of Ayush has started clinical trials of ashwagandha, guduchi, yasthimadhu, peepli but not kalmegh.
A. Ayush did not go through the latest research reports. Besides, officials with Ayush don’t have the knowledge of traditional herbs and lack practical experience of treating viruses. My claim is based on practical experience. The research has supported the stand taken by me. Ayush has started clinical trials for other herbs to improve immunity and kalmegh is at a pre-clinical stage.
Q. What are you doing to promote kalmegh?
A. I’ve been promoting its use through the print and electronic media and radio channels who interviewed me on the issue. I’ve appealed to states to follow Tamil Nadu. There is no need for clinical trials and kalmegh can be given directly in corona positive cases and those in quarantine.