Effect of ArtemiC in patients with COVID-19: A Phase II prospective study

Elias Hellou, Jameel Mohsin, Ameer Elemy, Fahed Hakim, Mona Mustafa-Hellou, Shadi Hamoud

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite intensive efforts, there is no effective remedy for COVID-19. Moreover, vaccination efficacy declines over time and may be compromised against new SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for simple, accessible, low-cost and effective pharmacological anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. ArtemiC is a medical product comprising artemisinin, curcumin, frankincense and vitamin C, all of which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The present Phase II placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multi-centred, prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ArtemiC in patients with COVID-19. The study included 50 hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19 patients randomized (2:1) to receive ArtemiC or placebo oral spray, twice daily on Days 1 and 2, beside standard care. A physical examination was performed, and vital signs and blood tests were monitored daily until hospital discharge (or Day 15). A PCR assessment of SARS-CoV-2 carriage was performed at screening and on last visit. ArtemiC improved NEWS2 in 91% of patients and shortened durations of abnormal SpO2 levels, oxygen supplementation and fever. No treatment-related adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that ArtemiC curbed deterioration, possibly by limiting cytokine storm of COVID-19, thus bearing great promise for COVID-19 patients, particularly those with comorbidities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3281-3289
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Volume26
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • ArtemiC
  • COVID-19
  • Vitamin C
  • artemisinin
  • curcumin

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