ATHENS – According to a new Greek study conducted by researchers from the University of Crete in Heraklion, the Democritus University of Thrace in Alexandroupolis, and the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, essential oils from three aromatic Cretan herbs, in a specific proportion, seem to treat the symptoms in the case of a mild form of COVID-19 disease, and can speed recovery in ambulatory patients with mild symptoms of the disease.

The three herbs are the well-known thyme, sage, and dittany, herbs that have been widely used for hundreds of years in many parts of Greece and mainly by the inhabitants of the mountainous areas of the island of Crete.

The research team estimates that if the findings of the study from the combination of essential oils, with the terminology CAPeo (Cretan Aromatic Plants essential oils), which are contained in the product composition circulating in Greece under the brand name CRETAN IAMA, are confirmed by subsequent clinics studies, this could be a new option for the treatment of mild COVID-19 disease.

The study authors point out that “although there are some effective treatments for inpatients in intensive care units, the need for cheap, safe and effective treatments for patients who are not seriously ill and are not being treated remains unfulfilled.”

According to the researchers, the essential oils from the three herbs have been proven, through previous studies by the University of Crete, to be very effective against other viral respiratory infections, in particular, against influenza A and B virus infections, as well as against certain rhinoviruses which cause colds.

In the new study, the scientists examined in the laboratory the effects of the combination of essential oils on cells infected with the new coronavirus. The combination was found to reduce the viral load on cells by more than 80% and had a protective effect against coronary SARS-COV-2 when the essential oils were added prior to infection. This result was achieved with a dose of CRETAN IAMA, the same as that tested on other viruses.

Origanum dictamnus. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

In the second phase of the study, Greek experts administered the combination with herbs to 17 patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus infection.

The researchers recorded the severity and duration of symptoms for 14 days.

Published studies have shown that in mild COVID-19 infection, symptoms usually resolve within two or three weeks at most, with respiratory symptoms usually resolving within ten days. The duration and severity of the symptoms of the 17 patients were compared with that reported in previous studies of patients recovering at home.

At the start of the study, the main symptoms of the patients were headache, myalgia, fatigue and fever, and the administration of the combination of essential oils was found to reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms.

The study also found that the majority of patients' symptoms had completely resolved within the first week, in contrast to herbal studies, where symptoms such as headache and fatigue often persisted for 14 days or more.

The research team estimates that "their findings suggest that the combination of essential oils appears to have a strong antiviral and prophylactic effect against the novel coronavirus. They noted that "if their findings are verified in a randomized, controlled clinical trial, the combination of essential oils marketed under the brand name CRETAN IAMA could be a valuable addition to the prevention and treatment of ambulatory patients with mild COVID-19."

The research team is composed of University Professors and researchers. Specifically from the University of Crete – Professor of General Medicine & Primary Health Care Christos Lionis, Professor of Laboratory Endocrinology Elias Kastanas, and Professor of Biology Stergios Pyrintsos. Professor of Clinical Virology and Director of the Laboratory of Clinical virology PAGNI George Sourvinos, Associate Professor of Laboratory Endocrinology Marilena Kampa, and from the Democritus University of Thrace Assistant Professor of Medical Biology Ioannis Karakasiliotis also participated.

Sage leaves. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

The results of the research team are pre-published on the medRxiv health study server of Yale University, while the relevant work is expected to be published in an internationally recognized scientific journal.

CRETAN IAMA was developed as a food supplement through long years of testing by the research team which led to a combination of essential oils from three aromatic herbs, namely, Coridοthymus capitatus, Salvia fruticosa, and Origanum dictamnus, at specific ratios. This preparation does not simply have a cumulative but a true synergistic effect. In other words, its effects exceed the total action of its separate ingredients, as one substance complements and/or enhances the action of the others.

The specific combination was lawfully registered under an international patent. The essential oils of the three aromatic herbs in the form of a soft capsule are dissolved in extra virgin olive oil and naturally contributes in strengthening the body’s defense. The dosage is two soft capsules taken once a day either in the morning or in the evening for at least one week.

Capsules are taken with water or another beverage, independently of meals. CRETAN IAMA may be given to children above 12 years of age who can swallow the capsule. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet. Consult your physician before use.

More information about CRETAN IAMA is available online: https://www.cretaniama.gr/.