Peradeniya scientists produce immunity boosting herbal product

Text and PIX BY CYRIL WIMALASURENDRE

KANDY – Scientists of the Peradeniya University have produced a herbal immunity enhancer capable of combating bacteria and any kind of virus, including the COVID-19.

Introducing the product, named as Prana, to the media, at the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology of the University of Peradeniya, on Saturday, Senior Professor and Head of the Department Prof Jayantha Rajapaksa said that the immunity raiser had been produced from local herbs and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, thalisa pathrra, and una kapuru.

The tests conducted by the Department had proven that the product could boost primary immunity in humans against viruses, Prof Rajapakse said, adding that increasing immunity against an identified virus was known as enhancing the secondary immunity, which ensures protection from only identified viruses. Vaccination against an identified virus is increasing secondary immunity. The immunity booster produced by the university could ensure the enhancement of primary immunity thereby be a sure protection against any variant of the COVID-19 virus and other harmful bacteria, he said.

Senior Prof Rajapakse said: “We have conducted two main researches on this product which could be used by people as a drink. The first research has confirmed that there are no elements harmful to humans in the drink while the second confirmed an increase in immunity. Usually, every human gets primary immunity from his parents and it is in his or her genes. Importance of boosting primary immunity in the face of a virus, such as COVID-19 which was evolving fast to produce new variants, is very high.”

Senior Professor Rajapakse said that the testing of the product had taken three months, and the product could be marketed as it is safe and it could counter any virus including COVID-19.

Ayurvedic Dr. Pradeepa Dissanayake (BAMS, Colombo) said that the primary immunity enhancer had been endorsed by the Ayurvedic Department and could be used against diseases in the respiratory system. It could be prescribed for fever, common cold, running-noses, headache and cough, she said.