National Drug Authority has notified the use of Kazire Vidicine, a local herbal medicine as a supporting treatment for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. According to NDA, Vidicine is a relief for cough, sore throat and flu, which stand out of some of the symptoms associated with COVID-19.
NDA Spokesperson Abiaz Rwamiri says that the notification was granted on the basis of initial assessment, published literature and safety studies. Rwamiri, says the product has been formulated from herbal plants that have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of several diseases and mainly respiratory infections.
However, Rwamiri says that to further support the efficacy of the drug for other uses, NDA has advised the manufacturer to conduct clinical trials which are the highest level of evidence to ascertain any claims of treatment.
Edward Kazire, a Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Scientist says that Vidicine is not a cure to COVID-19 but a complementary treatment for the management of COVID-19 symptoms. He says it works better with the home-based care treatment provided by the Ministry of Health.
Kazire says that the most challenging issue caused by the coronavirus is managing its effects on the body through incapacitating the organs like the Lungs, Kidney and heart because the disease causes inflammation of the organs. According to him, the herbal remedy helps treat inflammations and keeps the body Oxygen at its levels.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Prof Celestino Obua, says that the initiative was started and developed with the help of University Laboratories.
Vidicine becomes the second herbal medicine to be notified and approved by the National Drug Authority to manage COVID-19 following the notification of Covidex in June.
