Putting to Rest False Hope on Hydroxychloroquine for Treatment of COVID-19

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Dr. Rath Health Foundation  published a press release on May 29, 2020 indicating that, “A study of nearly 100,000 coronavirus patients has shown no benefit from the antiviral drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, and even an increased likelihood of dying in hospital.” (https://www.dr-rath-foundation.org/2020/05/study-of-100000-coronavirus-patients-shows-no-benefit-from-treatment-with-hydroxychloroquine/).

Here are some of the side effects associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine:
Most common - Rash, hair discoloration, irritable bowl syndrome, stomach cramps, dizziness, muscle pain. Nerve pain and loss of appetite.
Central Nervous System(CNS) - irritability, nervousness, emotional changes, convulsions and unsteadiness.
Eyes - Sensitivity to light, vision changes and eye muscle weakness
Gastrointestinal System - Stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea/vomiting
Skin - Easy bleeding/bruising and itching

In the first place, what exactly are we looking for when considering a substance (medicine) for treatment of a specific health problem, in this case, a viral disease? We look for an active ingredient in the medicine that might kill the virus or disable the viral activities (e.g. viral proliferation), and in the case of hydroxychloroquine non has been reported. Secondly, we might need to consider the potential immunomodulatory effects of the therapeutic substance or drug, which facilitates fighting the virus and healing, Most importantly, we want to know the effect-inducing mechanism/mode of action of the substance (prescription drug, herb, nutritional supplement, etc.) being considered as the prophylactic or therapeutic agent

 In the case of hydroxychloroquine, it is known to play an indirect role in COVID-19 treatment, i.e.  by potentiating intracellular uptake of zinc (as a zinc ionophore), thus enabling it to directly inactivate the virus or enhance the immune system.. However, the question remains whether we would want to use hydroxychloroquine as the zinc ionophore and risk our health to the potential side effects mentioned above or we would rather opt for use of other known and well-researched safe, nontoxic zinc ionophore natural substances such as hinokitiol.

The risk of use of drugs to fight COVID-19 is real and I wonder why it appears difficult  to redirect our focus to alternative natural approaches to fighting the disease, including the use of food as medicine (strengthening the immune system). After all according to the natural law of self-preservation of living matter, as explained in the book “The Law of Life and Human Health”  by Clements, G.R. (1926), any living organism is meant to fight disease, and heal itself if provided with  optimum nutrients, clean water and air.

Food for thought!

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