A PILOT, PROSPECTIVE, INTERVENTIONAL STUDY ASSESSING SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF HFIM – 01 IN IMPROVING RESPIRATORY IMMUNITY

Bharatbhushan Shrikhande, Neha N. Dandewar and Gayatri Ganu*

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is unique and unprecedented in several aspects. It has challenged health care systems globally. The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world‟s attention to the immune system, the body‟s defense force against disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other organisms. It is very important to renovate the Ayurveda concept of improving respiratory immunity through a well-developed and standardized product with unique set of ingredients to get incorporated in the lifestyle of an individual. Siddhayu Ayurvedic Research Fdn. Pvt. Ltd. has developed HFIM – 01 decoction. Bitter herbs, such as Woodfordia flower nectar, and Munakka raisins are slowly fermented over 6-weeks to make a therapeutic and subtly sweetened blend formulated which is a potential component of HFIM-01. The aim of present research was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HFIM – 01 for improving immunity in healthy subjects. The formulation treatment for 30 days to healthy individuals provided improvement in B cell mediated (Humoral immunity) mediated IgG levels and T cell mediated (Acquired immunity) CD4 count. This in turn suggest overall immuno modulation to combat with different stressors, infections of viral and bacterial origin. There is improvement in general health and wellbeing after HFIM-01 treatment indicated by improved GHQ-28 score and reduced fatigue severity score. HFIM-01 can be considered as safe and effective in managing general wellbeing, immunity and gut health.

Keywords: Immunity, Covid 19, Ayurveda.