Alerguard syrup not effective in treating Covid-19: Health experts

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some internet websites and pages claim Alerguard syrup is an effective remedy against coronavirus, but health experts reject the claim and ask people not to believe in such rumors and strictly follow the health guidelines.

Internet posts regarding Alerguard

Salamati Doctor-i-To magazine published an article on its website titled “What is Alerguard syrup? “Alerguard syrup is an Iranian herbal medicine that relieves the symptoms of coronavirus and reduces period of hospitalization.”

The source said the syrup contained garlic, anise, some opium and other natural herbs.

Meanwhile, another website named Darokhana published an article titled “Alerguard strengthens the immune system”

It said: “This medicine is very effective in treatment of Covid disease and has cured Covid-19 patients.”

Similarly, Apart internet site also released a video clip titled “Coronavirus treatment with herbal medicine Alerguard” and said aniseed, coriander, cloves, angelica and some other herbs existed in this syrup. The video clip said Alerguard syrup treats coronavirus patients.

One of the patients who used the syrup said: “Alerguard syrup cured me in 36 hours. Now I don’t have shortness of breath, no cough and no fever.”

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Dr. Faridullah Omari, a trainer and specialist at Antani Hospital, told Pajhwok Afghan News Alerguard was a herbal medicine but it has not been analyzed for treatment of Covid-19.” Opium and tobacco may also be used in this syrup.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Shirzad, a former advisor to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), said: “All these advertisements are for selling such medicines, no specific treatment has been developed for Covid-19 so far.”

According to him, better nutrition and diet guarantees the body’s health and people should use vegetables and fruits to strengthen their body’s immunity.

Dr. Sharafat Zaman, a spokesman for MoPH, also rejected the claim and said: “Alerguard syrup is a herbal and we cannot confirm this syrup is effective in treatment of Covid.”

According to him, no research has been done about this syrup so far.

He urged the people to strictly follow the guidelines of the MoPH and in case of Covid-19 symptoms, they must quarantine themselves and visit a doctor.

sa/ma

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