Usage of Arsenicum album 30C as a prophylactic medicine in healthcare workers of a COVID health centre: A report

Abstract

The homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album 30C was recommended as prophylaxis by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, along with general precautions during COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Delhi, India, during May–August 2020 to evaluate the effectiveness of Arsenicum album 30C as prophylaxis for COVID-19 in a high-risk group of healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs (n = 100) were categorised into two groups based on the number of days Arsenicum album 30C was administered during their duty: 7 days (N1 = 38) or 14 days (N2 = 62). Participants underwent COVID-19 testing (rapid antigen test/reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) at the end of duty or earlier if symptoms developed. The incidence of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms were primary outcome measures. The time taken for symptom resolution was the secondary outcome. At baseline, 89% of HCWs were at high risk, as per the World Health Organisation 2019 COV HCW risk categorization. At the end of duty, 98% of HCWs reported negative COVID-19 tests. No COVID-19-like symptoms were observed in the N2 group. In N1, four HCWs developed COVID-19-like symptoms, while two tested positive and recovered within 10 days.