Eucalyptus Circulation Permit as ‘Jamu’

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Packaging of Eucalyptus oil processing into nano-tech powder from the nanotechnology laboratory of the Research and Development Center of the Ministry of Agriculture, Bogor, became the prototype of the Eucalyptus corona virus anti-coronary aromatherapy necklace, Monday (6/7/2020).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The Eucalyptus-based products developed by the Agriculture Ministry are defined as jamu (herbal medicine) in their circulation permit, not as Covid-19 medicine. In order to get the status as phytopharmaca or nature-based medicine they must undergo further studies, including clinical trials.

The Agriculture Ministry’s agricultural research and development agency (Balitbangtan) head, Fadjri Djufry, made that statement during a virtual conference in Jakarta on Monday (6/7/2020). "We accept suggestions and input. The permit from the BPOM [Food and Drug Monitoring Agency] does not call it an antiviral [medicine]. Neither is the eucalyptus roll-on [called antiviral]. It is called jamu in the circulation permit,” he said.

Djufry added that the eucalyptus aromatherapy necklace, which was registered as a jamu product at the BPOM, was produced to relieve breathing difficulties. "It [eucalyptus aromatherapy] is registered at BPOM as jamu. Of course, it has been through a [long manufacturing] process. It does not violate the rules in Indonesia," he said.

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The claim that the product was an antiviral was made by the Agriculture Ministry in a press release titled "The Agriculture Ministry Launches Anti-Coronavirus Made from Eucalyptus" on 8 May 2020. In the press release that can also be found on the website pertanian.go.id, it is mentioned that the innovative product was the result of laboratory tests by agricultural researchers that can ward off the spread of the virus.

In a written statement, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo said the breakthrough was based on several tests on influenza viruses, Beta viruses and gamma corona, which show the eucalyptus has the ability to kill 80-100 percent of the virus. "In fact, the Balitbangtan made several eucalyptus prototypes with nanotechnology in the form of inhalers, roll-on, ointment, balm and diffuser. We will develop [this medicine] with the main target being people that have been exposed to the coronavirus," said Syahrul.

This finding is controversial. A number of scientists have warned any claims of untested products to be medicine will harm public safety. It will also trigger anti-science attitudes. Phytopharmaca is a nature-based medicine which has proven scientifically to be safe and have efficacy through preclinical testing in animals and clinical trials in humans. Phytopharmaca can be recommended by doctors [as medicine], but herbal medicine cannot (Kompas, 6 July 2020).

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KOMPAS/-

Eucalyptus oil processed products developed by Balitbangtan Ministry of Agriculture

The dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI) Ari Fahrial Syam said the research on the efficacy of eucalyptus products for Covid-19 was still in vitro testing at the cellular level. "Don\'t denigrate the in vitro research. But don\'t overestimate the results and claim it to be Covid-19 antivirals. It takes a long process of research," he said.

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FKUI, said Ari, is ready to support research and clinical trials to determine the efficacy of eucalyptus, including on the eucalyptus oil and the aromatherapy necklace. "We are ready to work with the veterinary research center to test on animals and clinical trials with this eucalyptus oil product," he said.

Government spokesperson for Covid-19 affairs, Achmad Yurianto, said the number of people undergoing Covid-19 testing within 24 hours on 5-6 July 2020 was 11,909 people. Of that number, 1,209 were tested positive for Covid 19 so that the total confirmed cases are now 64,958 people. The province with the highest addition of confirmed cases was East Java (308 cases).

We need to work together to counter the misinformation that Covid-19 is [genetically] engineered.

In Ambon, Maluku, the head of the Covid-19 Task Force Doni Monardo said the mainstream media played a major role in disseminating information and education to the public as part of the handling of Covid-19. About 63 percent of the success of the Covid-19 socialization is determined by the media.

Amid misinformation which says Covid-19 is genetically engineered, Doni said, the mainstream media is expected to help clear it up. Biased information impedes the acceleration of Covid-19 handling.

"We need to work together to counter the misinformation that Covid-19 is [genetically] engineered. [The work to counter the misinformation is] Not only by the central government, not only by the minister of health, but by all components of this nation. The death toll worldwide has reached more than half a million people. In Indonesia, it is more than 3,000 people. Don\'t underestimate Covid-19," said Doni.