einstein (São Paulo). 08/Apr/2021;19:eCE6354.
The media and the early dissemination of information on medicines for COVID-19: current scenario in Pakistan
DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021CE6354
SCENARIO IN PAKISTAN
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every country in the world, including the region of Pakistan. Despite of this fact, the population of the country is becoming less vigilant, a situation particularly clear due to the gradual easing of the lockdown restrictions, which have had a great impact on the increase in the number of confirmed cases of the disease.() It seems that so far people have not perceived that we are experiencing a serious pandemic, which requires urgency measures and discipline. Moreover, some unproven effects of natural herbs have been disseminated through the media and websites as possible treatments for COVID-19, and many of the residents have now chosen to use such herbs. The most popular of them all is Cassia angustifolia Vahl., known as Senna Makki,() which is often used as a laxative.() Nevertheless, this herb has been suggested to be life-threatening instead of a cure for the disease. This is because the use of Senna Makki tea can result in electrolyte imbalance in COVID-19 patients due mainly to a severe diarrhea.()
It should be noted that diarrhea has been described as one of the COVID-19 symptoms,() which may have more negative effects on these patients. Senna Makki can also cause other side effects, including vomiting, stomach discomfort, nausea, cramps, and abdominal pain.(,) Furthermore, its long-term use has been associated with heart function disorders, muscle weakness, liver damage, or even death in worse cases.() In parallel to this, the effects of other remedies and medicines may be being erroneously assigned to Senna Makki.
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