Farid Nila Moeloek (FNM) Society held a webinar entitled “Use of Herbs to Increase Immunity in the COVID-19 Pandemic”. The discussion, which was attended by experts in the health sector, concluded that it was time for Indonesian Original Modern Medicine (OMAI) to be included in the medical education curriculum.
“How will this OMAI be used by our society, in this case, we have to fight to include it in the medical education curriculum,” said the Minister of Health for the 2014-2019 period who is also the Chair of the FNM Society, Prof. Nila F Moeloek in the online discussion, Sunday (14/14). 2/2021).
This event presented speakers, namely Molecular Pharmacology experts who are also Executive Director of Dexa Laboratories of Biomolecular Sciences (DLBS), Dr Raymond Tjandrawinata, and also the Chair of the COVID-19 Task Force of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI), Prof. Dr. apt. Keri Lestari.
Dr. Raymond stated, in Indonesia, many medicines have been developed from herbal ingredients. Among natural-based medicines, there are those that have been clinically tested as immunomodulators developed from the green meniran plant (Phyllanthus niruri).
“This meniran is actually active against various kinds of pathogens. So, both specific and non-specific immune systems can be used using this plant from Indonesia,” said Dr Raymond.
Meniran plants have been through clinical trials for various diseases, one of which is for tuberculosis patients. Dr Raymond then said that clinical trials would be conducted on meniran for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Dr. Raymond shows an article from the journal Medicine regarding a clinical trial protocol study from Phyllantus Niruri for the treatment of mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.
“There are so many herbal medicines in Indonesia. The use of which has been clinically tested, one of which is meniran, why don’t we use it? Surely the farmers will also prosper because the raw materials are purchased. We are waiting for the glory of Indonesian Original Modern Medicine,” said Dr Raymond.
On the same occasion, Prof. Keri explained various plants that are known to increase body resistance. Some of these plants are processed into drinks as well, apart from being a health supplement.
Prof. Keri also reminded that there are also imported herbal medicines, but it is necessary to know whether these medicines have been through clinical trials or not. In addition, the public must also pay attention to whether imported herbal medicines have received permission from the POM or not.
“I agree with what Mr. Raymond said, let’s take advantage of Indonesian herbal medicines to increase our immune system during this pandemic. By using Indonesian herbal medicines, we are also helping to improve the economy,” said Prof. Keri.