Bridging Ayurveda and Evidence: Evaluating Herbal Fumigation for Compositional, Safety, and Efficacy in the Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had highlighted the urgent need for effective preventive measures alongside conventional therapies. Ayurveda, particularly herbal fumigation (dhoopa), may offer potential complementary interventions. The Air Vaidya Herbal Dhoopa (AVHD) stick, based on traditional formulations, is evaluated for its safety and efficacy against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives: To assess the safety, compositional profile, and clinical efficacy of AVHD fumigation in preventing and reducing the symptoms of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: (1) Composition analysis: The AVHD stick’s elemental and morphological composition was analyzed using Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. (2) Clinical study: A Phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 150 subjects in the intervention group and 100 subjects in the control group was conducted, monitoring the prevalence of COVID-19-like symptoms. (3) Safety assessment: In vivo toxicity testing was performed on rodents to evaluate the safety of AVHD fumes. Results: (1) Compositional findings: Elemental analysis of the AVHD ash showed a complex mixture of elements, while the stick combined multiple medicinal plants known for antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. (2) Clinical efficacy: The intervention group (AVHD fumigation) reported significantly lower rates of COVID-19-like symptoms compared to controls. (3) Specific symptoms reduced: Fever, cough, cold, anosmia, and loss of taste were all significantly less frequent in the intervention group. (4) Safety: Rodent toxicity studies confirmed the absence of significant adverse effects with AVHD inhalation. Conclusions: AVHD fumigation is safe and demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing the incidence of COVID-19-like symptoms, supporting its potential as complementary preventive approach against SARS-CoV-2.