Another Plant-Based Medicine In Treatment Of Covid-19

February 5, 2022

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Sweet wormwood, known as Artemisia annua, is a traditional plant-based nutraceutical with anti-parasitic, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. Recent studies have shown it is also an effective treatment for mild to moderate Covid-19. In April 2020, China added this Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to its standard of care for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. Sweet Wormwood in TCM is known as Jinhua Qinggan. In one Covid study, Jinhua Qinggan granules were found to be therapeutic in alleviating fever, cough, fatigue, sputum production, anxiety, and the need for hospitalization. Most recently, a Pakistani study found sweet wormwood was 82.6% effective when used in Covid-19 positive patients. These patients were treated at home for mild to moderate infection. In February 2022, Saudi Arabian researchers published a paper detailing how one of its main components, artemisinin, and derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by binding to an enzyme that the virus uses to multiply intracellular. This viral replication neutralizes the host’s immune defenses. Artemisia annua is efficacious against a variety of viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, and some of the herpes family, including herpes virus type-1 and Epstein-Barr.

Several traditional antimalarial therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. In addition to hydroxychloroquin and ivermectin, sweet wormwood is another nice addition to the Covid medicine chest. Artemisia annua should not be confused with Artemisia vulgaris, a related compound that is moderately poisonous. Jinhua Qinggan, besides treating SARS-CoV-2, has previously been used against seasonal influenza and pandemic swine flu (H1N1) in 2009. As reported by NutraIngredients-

Asia, April 24, 2020: “The Chinese government has officially recognized three TCM formulas as part of its standard therapy for Covid-19. The three formulas – Lianhua Qingwen capsule, Jinhua Qinggan Granule, and Xuebijing Injection – are patented products that are already commercially available and have been tested on Covid-19 patients in clinical settings.”

Jinhua Qinggan granules contain Artemisia annua, honeysuckle, gypsum, ephedra, bitter almond, baicalin, forsythia, fritillaria, burdock seed, mint, and licorice. It has traditionally been used in the treatment of plague and febrile diseases, but modern research has proven its antiviral properties. In 2021, researchers from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, identified Artemisia annua as one of the best herbal treatments against Covid-19, based on its ability to inhibit replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Jinhua Qinggan Granules (JHQG) is manufactured by Juxiechang pharmaceutical Company Ltd.

In February 2022, Saudi Arabian researchers published a paper showing how one of the main components of sweet wormwood, artemisinin, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors explained: “SARS-CoV-2 relies on the non-structural protein (Nsp1) for multiplication within the host cells and disarms the host immune defenses by various mechanisms. Nsp1 suppresses all cellular antiviral defense mechanisms that rely on host factor expression, including the interferon response.” This suppression of the innate immune response may aid in viral multiplication and immune invasions. SARS-CoV Nsp1 is a promising therapeutic target because of its vital function in suppressing the antiviral response. Therefore, Nsp1 is a key factor with disease creation from SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Nsp1 is a critical drug target, with no specific inhibitors of this enzyme have been reported to date. In all, artemisinin and nine artemisinin derivatives were evaluated. Remdesivir (the kidney killer) was used as a reference drug. It supposedly binds to Nsp1. Several of the sweet wormwood derivatives performed well in the study. Artemisinin and it’s derivatives have anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antiviral characteristics. These agents bind to target enzymes. The top 3 derivatives that were most favorable were Artesunate, Artemiside, and Artemisone. All demonstrated higher binding affinities to Nsp1 than Remdesivir.

An earlier study in late 2020 between researchers at Columbia University, University of Washington, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrated that a hot water extract of Artemisia annua had antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The researchers used extracts from four different continents, all of which showed promising results against SARS-CoV-2, including two of then-newer variants. Although it did not block viral entry into the cell, the extract decreased the inflammatory response and stopped infection “by targeting a post-entry step” into it. The data also revealed that the concentrations could be increased 100-fold and still be effective, without harm to the patient. Other studies have demonstrated that artemisinin can help in Covid by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes, stimulating adaptive immunity, down-regulating the cytokine storm, and reducing

fibrosis (inflammatory response).

With acute Covid-19 infection, symptoms should be treated aggressively. These ingredients are over-the-counter (OTC) and can be easily obtained. None will do any good unless you already have them in your Covid toolbox. The key is treating early at the first sign of symptoms. Even if it is a cold, influenza, or Covid, it is hard to tell these infections apart, so it is best to assume it is Covid and treat accordingly. Sweet wormwood, as well as supplements and nutraceuticals that I discussed previously, have all showed efficacy in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, many of the agents, such as Artemisia annua, may be helpful in treating cold and flu. As you know, I am always searching for cheap, alternative methods to help in the fight against Covid. When treating for Covid-19 infection follow some of the recommendations for treatment protocols listed below:

The Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance’s (FLCCC’s) prevention and early at-home treatment protocol. You can find a list of doctors who will prescribe ivermectin, hydroxychloroquin, and other medications on FLCCC website
The AAPS (The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons) protocol
America’s Frontline Doctors

May Yahweh bless all & keep well!

Written by: Ed J. Janicki