Turmeric lozenge to help reduce Coroanvirus infection risk: Study

Turmgel is the only globally patented, mouth-dissolving lozenge in the market. It is available on Amazon, the Gelnova Labs website and in select retail stores at an affordable Rs 170 for 10 lozenges. It is also being exported to several countries across the world.

Turmgel's sugar-free formulation bypasses the gut and provides a high level of bioactive components, preventing infections in the salivary load, eventually enhancing immunity.

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for Covid-19, is a highly infectious virus which primarily enters through nose and mouth, harbours in the saliva for a few days. During this period, patients remain mostly asymptomatic but can spread infection.

"We are facing a global health crisis and it is also our responsibility to contribute the best we have to create a healthy society. We, at KJ Somaiya Hospital, have always believed in working towards a better and healthier society. The TURMGEL study, supported by Gelnova Labs, is our attempt to fight against the virus and to create a safer environment for people. As we explore further into the study we are hoping for positive results, which will benefit the society", KJ Hospital Dean Dr Varsha Phadke said.

Healthcare professionals are at high risk of contracting the disease while treating patients, as the virus from the patient can enter through droplets and aerosols. Even though mask and personal protective equipment are used, the risk of getting infected is remarkably high. Globally, more than 10 per cent of healthcare professionals are infected while treating patients. Therefore, in the study, Somaiya Hospital decided to use Turmgel lozenges as it solubilizes in the saliva, and reaches the bloodstream directly.

The study was conducted by Dr Niharika Gill and Dr Pranauti Mestry among the Health Care Workers working in COVID-19 wards, to see if they use of Turmgel reduces the risk of contracting Covid-19 infection.

All the healthcare workers received Turmgel lozenge thrice daily.

The study participants followed the prescribed protection and infection control norms as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the proposal was cleared by the institutional ethics committee of KJ Somaiya Medical College and Hospital. Turmgel demonstrated good acceptability among the healthcare workers and further research is underway.

Gelnova Laboratories Pvt Ltd Managing Director Jatin Thakkar said the safety of our COVID warriors is important and all possible interventions must be tried to break the chain of transmission.

"Further research is planned to study the usefulness of the turmeric lozenge in treating COVID-19 patients. With Somaiya Hospital’s contribution, we look forward to its success," he said.