Kenyan Scientists Test Efficacy of Popular Herb 'Wanjiru wa Rurii' in Treating Covid-19

Kenyan scientists have begun tests on a local traditional herb to determine its efficacy in treating Covid-19.

The herb scientifically known as Ajuga Remota or Wanjiru wa Rurii in Kikuyu has been used by Gikuyu and Aembu people to effectively treat Malaria.

And now researchers from the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) have moved to establish whether the herb can speed up recovery for people infected with Covid-19, Daily Nation reports. 

Scientists from IPR, which is the largest research facility in Africa, said the tests will be done on 250 monkeys 

“We believe that if the herbs are put to the test, they can help bring us close to finding a way to deal with Covid-19,” Dr. Peter Mwethera, a senior research scientist at IPR told Daily Nation.

He observed that initial tests on the herb show it has the potential to reduce the effects of the novel coronavirus.

IPR chief researcher Dr. Atunga Nyachieo said the institution is keen on finding an immune booster to aid Covid-19 sufferers.

“We’re also requesting those intending to develop new vaccines by testing them in Africa to pass them through IPR as we are the only dedicated primate research institute in the whole of Africa,” said Nyachieo.

So far, Kenya has recorded 3,727 cases of Covid-19, out of which 1,286 have recovered while 103 have succumbed to the virus.