Ancient herbal mix put to the test against COVID-19
NCT ID NCT04939415
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested a 21-herb formula called modified Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (mQFPD) in 60 adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Participants took either the herb capsules or a placebo for 14 days. The main goal was to see if the formula is safe and feasible to use, not yet to prove it works. Researchers also looked at changes in viral load and symptoms as secondary measures.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- modified Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (mQFPD), a 21-herb formula
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a safe herbal treatment to ease mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 60 people, so it is mainly checking safety, not whether it works. The results may not apply to everyone, and the herb mix could cause side effects or interact with other medicines.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2021
- Finished
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Mar 2022
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Positive COVID-19 diagnosis within the prior 72 hours or within 9 days of symptom onset * Age 18 years and older * Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum hCG. * Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test at screening and agree to use contraception throughout the study period. * Capable of documenting vitals, symptoms, and study product intake daily and communicating this information to the study team * Willing to try to minimize alcohol, cannabis, and dairy products during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any of the following symptoms which, according to the CDC, require hospitalization: 1. Trouble breathing 2. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 3. New confusion or inability to arouse 4. Bluish lips or face 2. Current use of investigational agents to prevent or treat COVID-19 3. Known liver disease (ALT/AST \>3x ULN or diagnosis of cirrhosis) 4. Known renal disease (eGFR \< 60 ml/min) or acute nephritis. 5. Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP\>140 or DBP\>90 while on medications) 6. Allergy to tree nuts 7. Bleeding dyscrasia or on anticoagulation (aspirin and/or clopidogrel is allowed) 8. Pregnant or breastfeeding women 9. Use of Tolbutamide 10. Use of systemic corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, cortisone, prednisolone, betamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, dexamethasone). Inhaled budesonide is to be allowed. 11. Use of digoxin 12. Use of Oxacillin 13. Use of Interferon 14. Use of Vincristine 15. Use of Cyclosporine 16. Use of Amiodarone 17. Patients with a past medical history of epilepsy 18. Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) 19. Use of Methamphetamine within the prior 30 days 20. Use of Cocaine within the prior 30 days 21. Use of aminoglycosides, carbamazepine, flecainide, lithium, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, theophylline and warfarin
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
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University of California, San Diego
San Diego, California, 92093, United States
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