2.1 Study Design
A pilot, double blind, randomized placebo control clinical trial design was chosen for this study. The study was conducted at the Community Care Center, Konnanuru, Hassan, Karnataka. The study was approved by the Doctors For You (DFY) Ethics Committee (Ref. Number- DFY/ DELHI/R/ B407/2021-22). The protocol of the study was in compliance with Helsinki ethical standards and Good Clinical Practice. The study was conducted from 5th July to 29th August 2021 and participants were recruited during the entire study period as and when they reported to the hospital. The follow up period was 14 days for each patient.
2.2 Participants
The participants in the study. were predominantly from rural areas near the study site. Patients, with a confirmed symptomatic or asymptomatic case of COVID-19 from nearby rural areas, who reported to the study hospital were invited to participate in the study. They were informed about the purpose of the trial, and enrolled once informed consent was provided. Participants were made aware that they could withdraw from the study at any time without any loss. Baseline assessments were obtained through study proforma, including demographic information and other subjective and objective parameters of assessment. A total of 92 IPD Patients from Community Care Center, Konnanuru, Hassan, Karnataka were enrolled in the study after receiving their written consent.
2.2.1. Inclusion Criteria
- Symptomatic RT-PCR positive mild to moderate COVID-19 cases with or without comorbidities) as per the GOI norms
- Patients of both genders between the ages of 18-70 years
- Indian Nationals
- Willingness to participate in the study and provide a written consent.
2.2.2. Exclusion Criteria
- Not willing to provide consent or participate in the clinical trial
- Age less than 18 years or more than 70 years
- Pregnant women or lactating mothers
2.3 Intervention
Post enrollment, each patient was monitored for 14 days. Follow up assessments were conducted on day 3, day 7 and day 10. One nasal and one throat swab for RT-PCR was obtained and analyzed on day 3, day 7 and day 10 by an ICMR accredited laboratory. The patients were monitored daily in person for compliance and were advised to inform the study team immediately in case of any adverse events and/or aggravation of symptoms.
2.3.1. NF2 preparation
NF2 is a polyherbal formulation of 19 ingredients containing 13 potent Ayurvedic herbs including Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) powder and extract, Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) powder and extract, Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Bhunimba (Andrographis paniculata) powder and extract, Pippali (Piper longum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus fraternus) powder and extract Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) powder and extract and Guduci (Tinospora cordifolia) powder and extract. NF2 was manufactured by Sriveda Sattva Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (Sri Sri Tattva). The drug was licensed by the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India with the license number- AUS782. All the herbs which constituted NF2 were subjected to quality control. All the ingredients were blended with excipients followed by granulation, drying and compression. Once the tablets passed the QC tests, they were packed in bottles following standard procedure.
2.3.2. NF2 group
Participants enrolled in the NF2 arm were provided the NF2 tablets in a sealed bottle. The dosage for NF2 arm was 2 tablets (500 mg each) thrice a day after food for 10 days.
2.3.3. Comparator Group
The placebo control group was provided with the placebo tablets, which were packed in bottles identical to the NF2 tablets by Sri Sri Tattva. The dosage for the placebo arm was also 2 tablets (500 mg each) thrice a day after food for 10 days. The placebo was made of starch. ‘
2.3.4. Standard treatment
In addition to receiving NF2 or placebo, both groups received the standard of care treatment as prescribed by the government guidelines. Symptomatic treatment for fever, cough and cold was given. The standard treatment included tablet Vitamin C (500 mg BD), tablet Zinc (50 mg OD), tablet Doxycycline (100 mg BD), tablet Ivermectin (12 mg OD) for 5 days. Routine medicines were given for cold or cough. Patients with fever were given Paracetamol when required.
2.4 Outcomes
Clinical history was obtained from each participant, followed by a clinical examination and baseline investigations.
2.4.1. Primary Outcomes
The primary outcome of the study was to measure the recovery from COVID-19 through RT-PCR analysis. The percentage of population turning RT-PCR negative by day 3, day 7 and day 10 in both arms was measured as the primary outcome. One nasal and one throat swab were taken from each patient and subjected to PCR analysis to identify the viral load in patients at the assessment time points.
2.4.2. Secondary Outcomes
The secondary outcome was to assess the clinical improvement among study subjects using blood biomarkers. Cytokine levels (IL-6), inflammatory markers (CRP) and antithrombotic activity (D- Dimer) were measured. The blood parameters and immune markers were measured at baseline, day
3 and day 7 to observe any significant changes. Observation of adverse events or side effects of the drugs were also included in secondary outcomes.
2.4 Sample size calculation
Sample size per group was estimated to be 50, based on the thumb rule for pilot studies [28]. There was a sharp decline in COVID cases at site towards the end of the study, so enrollment was stopped at 95 patients.
2.5 Randomization and blinding
The study participants were allocated into different study arms, in a 1:1 ratio, with the help of a computer-generated randomization sequence. The allocation was sequentially distributed. Since both NF2 and placebo were packaged in identical bottles, the participants were blinded to their intervention. The participants, data collector and the laboratory technician were also blinded to the study group allocation.
2.6 Statistical analysis
An Intention to Treat (ITT) approach was used for the analysis. Data was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 (16.0.12026.20334) 32-bit. Data was tested for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
The baseline characteristics of both study groups were reported as proportion/ mean (SD). Association between quantitative variables was tested using the paired T test wherever appropriate at 95% confidence interval. Blood parameters were evaluated by descriptive statistics. Qualitative tests were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.