The eucalyptus antiviral corona necklace made by the Ministry of Agriculture

Claims the eucalyptus necklace as a corona antiviral

The appearance of the necklace product packaging is green-black, approximately 10 cm x 10 cm in size and reads "Anti-Corona Eucalyptus virus". This necklace is also equipped with a rope so that it can be hung around the neck of the user like a committee sign card.

"So out of 700 types (eucalyptus plants), there is one that can kill the corona and our laboratory results show this is for antiviral. This has been tested in our laboratory, so it can kill, if 15 minutes of contact it can kill 42 percent of the corona, 30 minutes is 80 percent, "said Syahrul.

"We are sure that next month it will be printed, reproduced," he continued, holding a eucalyptus necklace hanging from his neck. In addition to necklaces, products that are claimed to be corona antivirals also come in topical form (roll on), balms, inhalers (inhalers), and essential for diffusers.

Head of the Research and Development Agency for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fadjry Djufri, said that the selection of eucalyptus was carried out after going through research by a research team under his institution. Literature research led Djufri and his team to select eucalyptus as candidates for further testing.

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According to Fadjry, the active ingredients contained in the eucalyptus plant are proven to be able to kill the corona virus by up to 80%.

"After the test, we know the effective dose to kill the corona virus, including avian influenza, H1N1, H5N1, and common influenza," said Fadjry in a press conference Monday (6/7).

Doubts about the claims of the antivirus necklace

The claim of this product's ability as a corona antivirus has raised questions and doubts from many parties, including scientists from other institutions.

Responding to these claims, Professor of Molecular Biology, Airlangga University Professor Dr. Chairul Anwar Nidom supports innovations carried out by researchers in Indonesia.

"Every innovation of the nation's children must be respected. The important thing is not to lie, ”said Professor Nidom to Hello Sehat, Monday (6/7). "So it must be conveyed to the public that testing has been carried out at what level? done to what virus?"

The essential oil from the eucalyptus plant does have an active ingredient 1.8 cineol which is antibacterial, antiviral, and expectorant to thin out sputum.

Researcher of Molecular Virology of the Research Institute for Veterinary Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, dr. Indi Dharmayanti said his team had conducted in vitro tests for the content of 1.8 sineol on several types of corona virus models, namely H5N1 corona, beta corona, and gamma corona. But not specifically on the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus which causes COVID-19.

The in vitro test is a test of the ability of the active ingredient on viral cells outside the human body or living things. Professor Nidom said the level of in vitro testing was not sufficient to prove the effectiveness of the active ingredients against viruses.

"The drawback is that preclinical tests on animals should be carried out and challenge tests are carried out," said Nidom.

He explained that in the in vitro test there was only one factor that affected the results of the effectiveness of the active ingredients being tested. Whereas in preclinical tests there are many other factors from live animals that will affect the results, for example body temperature and so on.

"Because the animal used in the test is usually a miniature human being, at least if it has passed the test, it can be considered to be used by the community," explained Nidom. "But for the treatment of patients in the hospital, all clinical trials must be completed," he continued.

The Ministry of Agriculture corrects claims of necklaces as corona antivirals

Professor of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Professor Dr. Zullies Ikawati in a news program of a private television reminded the Ministry of Agriculture not to overdo it in claiming the benefits of the eucalyptus necklace as a corona antiviral.

He did not dismiss the results of the Ministry of Agriculture's research, but in vitro test results cannot be used as a benchmark that a product can be claimed as an antiviral.

"We have to be careful, the claim as an antivirus is a high claim, so as an antivirus it must be tested on humans," he explained.

The corona virus that causes COVID-19 enters the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes or nose. From this fact also raises the question of how this Anti-Corona virus necklace blocks the entry of viruses from these parts of the body.

"The dose used in that way (put up) can it be?" said Professor Zullies doubtfully.

In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that they submitted claims in accordance with the original benefits.

"Indeed, the media discussion is because we are being pursued as a corona antivirus. Indeed, I agree that being claimed as an antivirus will take a long time, ”said dr. Indi.

Furthermore, Indi explained that currently his team is still continuing research and opening collaborations with other institutions.

Professor Zullies advised that it is important to convey these facts to the public so that they do not have misperceptions and do not provide a false sense of security.

By being clearly informed about the original benefits of a product so that people do not ignore security protocols in the future new normal this.