- The testing of a herbal remedy to treat Covid-19 will be undertaken by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
- The herbal remedy has been developed by a group of traditional practitioners.
- Prior to the agreement with the university, the herbal remedy had been taken by 500 Covid-19 patients.
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) will go ahead with testing on a herbal product developed by a group of traditional health practitioners for the treatment of Covid-19.
The university was approached by M5 MediGroup last year to test the safety and efficacy of its "potential alternative remedy" for Covid-19.
A formal collaboration was established in January, with samples of the product handed over to SMU, the university and M5 MediGroup said in a joint statement.
Last week, M5 MediGroup announced it had tested its herbal product on patients and had received positive feedback, according to IOL.
The group of traditional healers said the mixture treats the Covid-19 virus and opens chest congestion for smooth breathing, according to the SABC. They added that the treatment was not a cure for the virus, nor a replacement for the vaccine.
Comprehensive scientific report
The statement from SMU confirmed that 500 Covid-19 patients from Rustenburg, Soweto, Boksburg and Limpopo had taken the herbal remedy.
The statement said:
The university has committed to publishing a comprehensive scientific
report on its testing of the herbal product.
"The understanding between the two parties is that the university would develop research protocols to be approved by the SMU Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC) for testing the herbal product. Furthermore, that the university will only administer the herbal remedies or products to patients once safety has been proven and efficacy subsequently established.
"The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) would also have to approve the tested product before further distribution," the statement said.