CompletedPhase IIIInterventional

Ayurveda for promoting recovery in long COVID

Long COVID leaves many people facing months of ongoing exhaustion, breathlessness, and brain fog, with few proven medical treatments available. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are running a clinical trial across the UK to see if an ancient herbal remedy, Ashwagandha, can help people get their strength and vitality back. Ashwagandha has been used safely for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to lower stress and support the immune system. In this study, volunteers take either Ashwagandha or an inactive dummy pill (placebo) every day for three months. The pills are posted directly to your home. You will complete monthly check-ins and surveys online or by post to track your symptoms, energy, and overall health. Joining this study is voluntary and helps researchers find safe, accessible ways to support recovery for everyone living with long COVID.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Phase III

Sponsor

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Enrolment target

2,500

Start

14 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2024

Long COVID

What is this study about?

Long COVID is a condition where symptoms like severe tiredness, muscle aches, and trouble concentrating linger for weeks or months after a coronavirus infection. For many people across the UK, these lasting symptoms make working, exercising, or even basic daily tasks very difficult. Because long COVID is so new, doctors still do not have a standard cure or proven medicine to help the body recover.

To find answers, scientists are testing Ashwagandha, a plant extract used for hundreds of years in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is well known for helping the body manage stress, fight fatigue, and boost energy. While small studies show it might help with long COVID symptoms, doctors need high-quality evidence before they can recommend it.

This trial is a 'placebo-controlled' study, meaning half the participants take Ashwagandha and the other half take a dummy pill that looks identical. Comparing the two groups allows researchers to clearly see whether the herb truly speeds up recovery. By taking part, you can help doctors discover safe, reliable ways to treat long-term COVID symptoms.

Key takeaways

Tests whether the traditional Indian herb Ashwagandha helps ease long COVID symptoms.
Open to UK adults who have a doctor-confirmed long COVID diagnosis.
Lasts for three months, with capsules posted directly to your home.
You will need to pause taking any other herbal remedies during the trial.
Participation is voluntary, free of charge, and includes regular safety check-ins.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be 18 or older and have an official diagnosis of long COVID confirmed by your GP or medical records. Your symptoms must have lasted for at least four weeks after your initial illness and should be noticeably reducing your ability to carry out your normal day-to-day activities.

You must be happy to take the trial capsules every day for three months, fill in regular surveys, and attend monthly health check-ins. If you currently take any other herbal supplements or plant remedies, you must be willing to stop taking them during the study so they do not interfere with the results.

You cannot take part if your long COVID is self-diagnosed without confirmation from a doctor. You will also be excluded if you have other medical or psychiatric conditions that the study doctors feel could make joining the trial unsafe for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
A GP or doctor has officially diagnosed me with long COVID.
My symptoms have lasted 4 weeks or longer and affect my daily life.
I am willing to take daily study pills for 3 months.
I am willing to stop taking all other herbal remedies during the study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for three months. You will receive your study capsules in the post, so you do not need to travel to collect them. You will take the capsules daily for 12 weeks. Neither you nor your doctor will know whether you are taking Ashwagandha or the dummy pill until the study is over. Each month, you will fill in a short questionnaire online or by post about your energy levels, daily activities, and general health. You will also have a quick monthly safety check with a GP practice team, either over the phone or in person, to see how you are feeling.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not directly cure your symptoms, but your participation will provide vital clues to help doctors treat long COVID in the future. Ashwagandha is widely used and generally considered safe, but like any medicine, it can occasionally cause side effects or mild stomach upset. Study doctors will monitor your health closely throughout the three months. Joining is completely your choice, and you can change your mind and leave the study at any time without it affecting your normal NHS care.

Locations (14)

Hockley Farm Medical Practice
City only
Leicester, England
Bay Medical Group
Approximate
Morecambe, England
Highcliff Medical Centre
City only
Christchurch, England
Oaks Healthcare
City only
Waterlooville, England
Whaddon Healthcare
City only
Milton Keynes, England
Finchampstead Surgery
Unverified
Wokingham, England
Hedena Health
Unverified
Oxford, England
St. Clements Surgery
Unverified
Oxford, England
Kes@northgate
Unverified
Oxford, England
Melrose Surgery
Unverified
Reading, England
Lancaster Medical Practice
Unverified
London, England
Penicuik Medical Practice
Unverified
Penicuik, Scotland

Common questions

What is Ashwagandha?

It is a natural plant root extract used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to help reduce stress, fight fatigue, and support general health.

What is a placebo and why is it used?

A placebo is a harmless dummy pill that looks just like the real medicine but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers prove whether improvements are truly caused by the herb.

Do I have to pay for the study medicine?

No, all study medicines and materials are provided free of charge and posted directly to your home.

Will I need to travel to a hospital?

No, the study is designed to be convenient. The medicine is posted to you, questionnaires are done online or by post, and check-ups happen remotely or at participating local GP surgeries.

Can I keep taking my regular NHS prescriptions?

Usually yes, but you will need to stop taking other herbal remedies. Always check all your current medicines with the study team first.

How to find out more

Poppy Mallinson

poppy.mallinson1@lshtm.ac.uk +44 7510 382 984 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.