An ayurvedic formulation – Fifatrol, composed of time-tested herbs, is effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), a contagious viral and bacterial infection, says a study published in the International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga.

A team of researchers carried out the study on 203 patients with URTI in various health centres across the country. During the treatment, the health parameters of the patients, who were given Fifatrol twice a day, were checked on the first, fourth and seventh day.

As per the study, the patients’ condition was found to be improved by 69.5 per cent and 90.36 per cent within the fourth and seventh days respectively.

“Effectiveness was evaluated by examining the reduction in symptoms scores at day 4 and 7 respectively. This observational study has gathered evidence about the effectiveness and safety of Fifatrol on the amelioration of the symptoms of URTI,” said the authors.

 The researchers also did not find any adverse impact of the formulation on the patients.

The study also noted that Fifatrol has not only been found to be effective in treating URTI but also well accepted by the physicians of Ayurveda for the successful management of conditions like flu and associated symptoms like fever, nasal congestion, running nose, etc.

In fact, Fifatrol as an immunity-boosting ayurvedic drug has found a mention as Covid-19 combating formulation in the ‘Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19 (Tracing, Testing & Treatment)’ compiled by the state-run National Research Development Corporation last year.

AIMIL Pharma Executive Director Dr Sanchit Sharma said that normally, the ayurvedic medicines have been seen as supplements to increase immunity. However, the current government has been taking several steps to boost the Ayurveda sector. There has been compelling evidence that medicinal herbs can be a first line of defence against infectious diseases, he said

No wonder, being a rich combination of five vital classical formulations like Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa, Mrityunjaya Rasa and Sanjivani Vati with extracts from herbs like Guduchi, Daruharidra, Chirayata, Kutaki, Tulsi, Apamarga and Karanja, Fifatrol improves the immune system to fight against viruses and other infections, eases the associated symptoms and fastens the recovery, underlined the study. It also helps fast relief from nasal congestion, body ache, sore throat, and headache, it said.

The study on effectiveness of the Ayurveda formulation holds importance given that usually, to treat the infection which is common during winters, people resort directly to antibiotics. It has a huge economic burden as well, as high as US $ 22 billion a year, leaving a hole in the pocket of the patients.

URTI accounts for around 10 million outpatient consultations in a year, especially because of the severity of its symptoms. The estimated yearly frequency of URTI symptoms including common cold among adults and children are 2-3 and up to 8 respectively.