Combination of traditional and modern medicine in treatment of COVID-19

Ha Noi, October 7 ^th2021, the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) held a virtual online workshop with the theme “Solutions for prevention and support regarding Covid-19”. H.E Dr. Sc. Phan Xuan Dung, the VUSTA President of VUSTA was chairing the workshop.

The scene of the workshop

Speaking at the workshop, President Phan Xuan Dung said that Covid-19 pandemic has hit all corners of the world including Vietnam. It has influenced on all activities of the society, become one of the most serious health crises and caused heavy socio-economic losses.

President Phan Xuan Dung gave speech at the workshop

As we may recall, VUSTA organized the workshop “Scientific and technology intelligentsia with prevention and minimize the effects of Covid-19 pandemic” earlier on July 14 ^th2021. Basing on the findings, VUSTA has communicated position paper to mandatory authorities to propose solutions in order to prevent and repel Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, VUSTA also repeatedly worked with scientists, experts, so as to listen to a great number of opinions about their solutions and suggestions in prevention and control of Covid-19 pandemic.

At the conference “Vietnamese scientific and technology intelligentsia deploy the implementation of the Resolution of 13 ^thCongress of Communist Party” organized by VUSTA, scientists have come up with many solutions of Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control. The efforts made by scientists have been recognized and appreciated by the Prime Minister.

“On the occasion of this seminar, VUSTA wishes to listen to opinions of scientists working in the apparatus to continue suggesting recommendations and specific solutions for prevention of Covid-19 pandemic, social stability and economic recovery during and after the pandemic”, said the President Phan Xuan Dung.

Specific antiviral medicine to treat patients with Covid-19 infection

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh, Chairman of Vietnamese Society of Infectious Disease shared that antiviral medicine could affect many stages of life circle of SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby it can prevent the virus from replicating and then destroy it. In which, there are two stages that antiviral medicine often targets:

First, at the stage where SARS-CoV-2 virus enters into susceptible host tissue, cells the host cell via the conserved spike (S) protein receptor-binding motif (Spike glycoprotein) of the virus with the host cell’s angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and is primed by TMPRSS2 protease. The mediated cell invasion through ACE2 and TMPRSS2 can be blocked by drugs. Some typical medicine with this active mechanism consist of Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and Arbiol,…

Second, the replication and multiplication of virus can be inhibited by antiviral drugs that target RNA polymerase – dependent RNA of virus (RdRp) and primary protease (3Clpro). Some typical medicine with this active mechanism includes Lopinavir.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh – Chairman of Vietnam Society of Infectious Disease

At the moments, there are some typical antiviral drugs that are most clinically tested in the treatment for patients with COVID-19 infection which are Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine; Lopinavir/ Ritonavir; and Remdesivir - Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh added. He also said that there are some anti-inflammatory drugs such as Corticosteroid; Dexamethasone; Hydrocortisone; Methylprednisolone; Prednisolone; and Colchicine. There is also an antibody drug, Tocilizumab (TCZ) which is a monoclonal antibody that targets Interleukin-6 receptor. Tocilizumab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and its safety is high. Some case reports have suggested that Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist used to treat associated-comorbidities patients linked with autoimmune disease can prevent severe progressive of COVID-19. The opinions of doctors in many countries said that Tocilizumab should be used for severe COVID-19 patients who have been treated unsuccessfully by other therapies.

Combination of traditional and modern medicine in treatment of COVID-19pandemic

In order to do this combination, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dau Xuan Canh, Chairman of Vietnam Society of Infectious Disease said the reasonable, harmonious and effective combination between traditional and modern medicine by using traditional methods for treatment and minimizing the risk of cross infection in healthcare clinics and places under quarantine. Dr. Xuan Canh stressed that during the past time the assigned units, especially at No. 1 field hospital in Phu Nhuan district, Ho Chi Minh city chaired by Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Ethnic Medicine and Pharmacy reported that the combined treatment of eastern and western medicine brought about good results. A report on treatment results of 546 patients with COVID infection indicated that the percentage of patients becoming severe was 16%; mortality rate was 0,05%. The rate of patients recovered from the disease was 84% after curing in period of 7 and 13 days in which the cure rate after 7 days was up to 19%.

Dr. Canh said that the used medicine helps increase regulation capacity of the body by boosting immunity system for F1 cases, people at high risk; therapies of inhalation and using essential oil, steam pot) to prevent the disease; and also the training of using western therapies to care for patients.

Sharing the view, Prof. Nguyen Duc Nghia, Director of Institute for Nanotechnology and Pharmacy said that the molecular mechanism of antiviral activity and the synergistic effect of GRENODRUGS could cure COVID-19.

To Prof. Duc Nghia, the active groups in the medicine react with Protein-S to reduce the penetration of Protein-S into human cells. ACE II receptor is used for viral entry. It also inhibits the replication of RNA of the virus by binding to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and preventing the formation of CS. Finally, it will decompose SARS-CoV-2 virus.