DOH Says Curative Capacity of ‘Tawa-tawa’ Leaves for Dengue Stills Need to be Validated

The Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday patients who want to use “tawa-tawa” leaves (herbal plant) as cure for dengue alongside with their existing medication should ensure that they seek the proper advice of their physicians prior to use.

According to DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee-Suy, “tawa-tawa” leaves as a cure for dengue is still the subject of further research and evaluations because its supposed curative effects are not yet clearly established or validated with evidence-based trials.

“While it is true that so far in the ongoing studies, it has been found to be safe and cleared of toxic substances (by those who have used it), we still do not have enough evidence of its curative effects so it cannot be classified as medication yet (for dengue) and therefore, we still do not recommend it,” Dr. Lee-Suy said in an interview with the media.

However, he said that he is leaving the decision of using it as a “form of treatment” to the people who are confident in its curative effects.

“They (the public) can probably ask their doctor if they take them along with their medication or will not cause adverse reaction to the medicines they are taking,” he added.

He further said that health-seeking behavior or consulting a physician prior to taking medication is an important reminder that should always be remembered by people with health problems or feeling something is wrong with their health conditions.

“They should never self-medicate or abandon the attitude of seeking the advice of their physician/s,” the DOH spokesperson added.

It maybe recalled that just last month, Health Secretary Janette L. Garin reiterated the DOH’s stand that “there is no validated scientific study or results” on the efficacy of “tawa-tawa” leaves or capsules as treatment for dengue.

“If the claims are true, there is no substantiation. And they need to register it with FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) as treatment,” said Secretary Garin.

Garin added that the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care has yet to make a position on such health intervention.

“There may be potential but there is no scientific evidence yet and the DOH cannot endorse such claims,” she stressed. (PNA) SCS/LSJ/EDS