Evaluation of KGR Prescriptions in Suppressing COVID-19 Infection.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present challenges despite widespread vaccination efforts, with breakthrough infections remaining a concern. This has led to increased interest in exploring alternative preventive measures, including dietary and natural product-based interventions. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of herbal medicines in inhibiting viral infections and as therapies for COVID-19. Additionally, research has identified various herbal medicines with inhibitory properties against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, highlighting their potential in combating the virus. Here Researchers found that novel herbal medicine formula Kang Guan Recipe (KGR) is a potent inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Researchers demonstrated that KGR showed inhibitory activity against variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, they also found that KGR can block the interaction of viral Spike and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Furthermore, Researchers assessed the inhibitory effect of KGR on SARS-CoV-2 viral entry in vivo and observed that serum samples from healthy human subjects exhibited suppressive activity against various SARS-CoV-2 variants after consuming KGR. These studies offer valuable insights into the potential development of KGR as a novel herbal-based preventive and therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy participants aged 20-60 with a body weight of over 50 kilograms.
• Individuals who have never been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19 for more than three months.
• No consumption of any traditional Chinese medicine or food containing Chinese medicine within the preceding 36 hours before the experiment.
• Vaccinated individuals who received their vaccine more than three months ago.
• Willingness to undergo venous blood tests (approximately 10 cc of blood to be drawn three times).

Exclusion criteria

• History of major internal medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, abnormal liver function (AST levels exceeding 5 times the normal value), renal dysfunction (eGFR <60), cancer, etc.
• Brain disorders such as trauma, stroke, tumors, epilepsy, or dementia.
• Mental health disorders such as depression, anorexia nervosa, or schizophrenia.
• Pregnant or lactating women. If there is suspicion of pregnancy, a commercial urine pregnancy test will be conducted.
• Smokers, alcoholics, or betel nut addicts.
• Inability to comply with the trial procedures.
• Inability to sign the informed consent form.
• Within three months of a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
• Within three months of receiving a vaccine shot.