Some researchers at the Olabisi Onabanjo University [OOU], Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State claim to have produced a herbal solution which can prevent, treat and manage coronavirus [COVID-19] disease.

The anti-COVID-19 solution is tagged OOU-Anjo Anti-COVID- 9 herbal syrup, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunde, told newsmen during a briefing at the new Senate building of the university in Ago-Iwoye.

A group of researchers at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago – Iwoye, Ogun State have produced COVID – 19 preventive, treatment and management herb tagged OOU – Anjo Anti – COVID – 19 herbal syrup.

The VC, who was flanked by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Deji Agboola, and his counterpart (Administration), Prof. Ebun Oduwole, unveiled the product.

The institution also dispenser hands sanitizer, personal hands sanitizer and face masks which were produced by the researchers.

According to the VC, the OOU – Anjo Anti – COVID – 19 herbal syrup had been submitted to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control [NAFDAC] for approval before releasing into it the market.

He said:

“Our university is one of the core Universities that engage in research into the COVID-19 pandemic and in partnership with Anjo, who’s one of our very core effective partners in herbal medicine, we’ve been able to produce an Anti – COVID-19 herbal syrup which we’ve processed to NAFDAC for approval.

“So, I can assure you that it went through all the necessary protocols that you can have in trying to produce a herbal syrup. It’s a joint effort of Anjo and Olabisi Onabanjo’s Department of Medicine research.

“Apart from that, since the era of Ebola, we’ve been involved in the production of hand sanitisers, the health centre was involved, the department of chemistry is also involved.

“We also have some sections of the university that is involved in the production of face masks, face shield which are being requested for by a number of Organizations.

“So in terms of our research, they’ve also been involved in the production of sanitiser. So, the prototype of hand sanitizer and automated solar power dispenser production.

“This machine was produced by our faculty of engineering and is to ensure the sanitization of hands. It is different from the one you do see, we’ve been taught two ways to wash our hands, either through the use of hand sanitizer or using soap under running water. So, it is different, it is automated, once it senses your hand and it is also solar-powered.

“We’ve been talking to one or two companies, as we’ve told them that this it dispenses adequate amount of sanitiser, so there’s no contact.

One of the researchers, Acting Director, Research, Linkages and Advancement, OOU, Dr Ashidi Joseph, said the remedy is “anti-bacteria, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant.”

Ashidi said the remedy was formulated based on results of post-mortem research conducted on those who died of COVID – 19 infections as the team had no access to samples of COVID-19 patients for laboratory test with the syrup.