Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina has officially launched a local herbal tea claimed to prevent and cure coronavirus, AFP reports.
Rajoelina told ministers, diplomats and journalists at the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA), which developed the beverage that;
Tests have been carried out — two people have now been cured by this treatment. This herbal tea gives results in seven days.
While downing a dose, he added that;
I will be the first to drink this today, in front of you, to show you that this product cures and does not kill.
According to IMRA, the drink called Covid-Organics is derived from artemisia — a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment — and other indigenous herbs.
But its safety and effectiveness have not been assessed internationally, nor has any data from trials been published in peer-reviewed studies.
Rajoelina brushed aside any such reservations and said the concoction would be offered to schoolchildren, as it was his duty was to “protect the Malagasy people”.
Mainstream scientists have warned of the potential risk from untested herbal brews.
On his part, Dr. Charles Andrianjara, IMRA’s Director General emphasized that;
Covid-Organics will be used as prophylaxis, that is for prevention, but clinical observations have shown a trend towards its effectiveness in curative treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which has people to be vigilant about claimed cures for COVID-19, did not attend the event, AFP reports.
The pandemic has triggered a rush for herbal formulas, lemons and ginger in the belief that they can protect against the virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), referring to claims for herbal or tea remedies, emphasized that;
There is no scientific evidence that any of these alternative remedies can prevent or cure the illness caused by COVID-19. In fact, some of them may not be safe to consume.
As at Tuesday, Madagascar, the largest Indian Ocean island has detected 121 cases and no fatality.
