In late December 2020, the government of Thailand approved a pilot study of the use of the southern Asian herb andrographis (Andrographis paniculata, Acanthaceae) to treat early symptoms and reduce the severity of COVID-19. Initially, the treatment will be available at five state-owned hospitals in Thailand on a voluntary basis for people 18-60 years old with minor symptoms. It reportedly will be given to patients within 72 hours of symptom onset. This approval comes amid an increase of COVID-19 infections in the country. As of September 1st, 2021, Thailand had 1,219,531 cases of COVID-19 in a total population of about 70 million.

Andrographis(Andrographis paniculata) -- Called fah talai jone in Thai and 'the king of bitters'. among other names, andrographis is a small annual plant. It is an herb long used in traditional Chinese medicine and ayurveda. Also known as 'Indian echinacea' andrographis is a bitter-tasting herb rich in compounds known as andrographolides. These compounds are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.