Efficacy of a Customized Holistic Traditional Complementary Alternative Medicine Protocol for Improving Immunological, Metabolic, and Clinical Parameters in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated exploring various treatment options, including Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a customised Holistic Traditional Complementary Alternative Medicine (HTCAM) protocol in improving immunological, metabolic, and inflammatory outcomes in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Methods: This pilot randomised controlled trial involved 100 patients, 50 in the HTCAM intervention group and 50 in the control group. Participants were adults diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. Following 1:1 randomisation, baseline data were collected, including blood samples for interleukins, oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters. The HTCAM group received a detailed, customised protocol with daily supervision and clinical monitoring. Blood samples were collected at discharge or on the 7th day post-enrollment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, employing mean, standard deviation, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Sociodemographic and clinical variables showed no significant differences between groups. Significant improvements in the HTCAM group were observed in creatinine and triglyceride levels compared to the control group. Significant differences were also noted in serum albumin and TNF-alpha levels, enhancing inflammation management and overall health. Conclusion: This pilot trial suggests combining the Holistic Traditional Complementary Alternative Medicine (HTCAM) protocol with conventional COVID-19 treatment may improve clinical and metabolic parameters. Significant benefits were observed in serum albumin levels and reductions in TNF-alpha, with HTCAM also maintaining stable ferritin levels and positively influencing triglycerides and creatinine. Further research must confirm these findings and clarify HTCAM's role in COVID-19 management.