Abstract
Introduction: Glycyrrhizin (Licorice) is believed to have antiviral action against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral mucoadhesive patches containing licorice extract in the eradication of this novel coronavirus in the nasopharyngeal secretions of the patients.
Patients and Methods: In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, 125 patients with positive real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for SARS-CoV-2 and in stages 0 and/or 1 of COVID-19 were studied in two separate groups, including interventional and placebo, in which they used Aftogel (licorice extract) and placebo patches, respectively. At the end of the study, the results of PCR test in aforementioned groups were assessed and compared.
Results: Following the application of Aftogel, real-time PCR converted to negative in 53.97% of patients which was significantly higher than that of the placebo groups. (27.40%, P=0.003).
Conclusion: It seems that Aftogel mucoadhesive patch is effective in the eradication of SARS-CoV-2, which has colonized the nasopharyngeal area. Hence, this drug product has the potential for evaluation as a prophylactic agent against COVID-19.
Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20181208041886N2; https://fa.irct.ir/trial/51774, ethical code; IR.MUI.MED.REC.1399.520).