# COVID-19 Humic/Fulvic Acid Plus Epigallocatechin Gallate Treatment: A Retrospective Chart Review

## TL;DR

This study found that using a combination of EGCG, humic/fulvic acid, and vitamin C in nursing home patients with COVID-19 significantly reduced mortality compared to standard care.

## Contribution

The study presents a novel integrative treatment approach using natural compounds to reduce mortality in nursing home patients with COVID-19.

## Key findings

- Patients receiving the integrative treatment had 0 mortalities out of 22 cases.
- Patients without the integrative treatment had 21 deaths out of 38 cases.
- The treatment combination showed a significant reduction in overall mortality.

## Abstract

Introduction:The initial COVID-19 infection caused significant mortality in the nursing home setting. The mortality in our facility was approximately 50% and occurred in the later phase of the initial infection. In the nursing home setting, there were no approved treatment regimes. Specific treatment was left to the treating physician in concert with the administrative medical officials; immunizations were approved in December 2020. Concurrent publications indicated that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and humic/fulvic acid with vitamin C possess the ability to interfere with the SARS-CoV-2 virus; both can inhibit viral attachment and reproduction, along with providing significant anti-inflammatory activity. They also exhibit good safety profiles and were previously utilized in our facility. With the high mortality and significant published data on inhibitory aspects of EGCG, humic/fulvic acid, and vitamin C, our facility utilized these supplements to treat COVID-19-positive patients.

Methods: This retrospective chart review analyzes the effectiveness of an integrative treatment consisting of EGCG and humic/fulvic acid with vitamin C provided to COVID-19 patients in a long-term care facility between October and December 2020. Nursing home patients with COVID-19 infections were either provided integrative treatment utilizing EGCG, humic/fulvic acid, and vitamin C or provided care without integrative support. All EGCG patients were informed, and, when needed, the first line of authority, power of attorney (POA) was contacted and informed that the integrative approach was not standard treatment (but was reviewed and approved by Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Medical Facility directors and the patient's physician). Patients were informed of the safety literature and compounds' utilization in viral infections prior to accepting treatment.

Results: A review of 60 records indicates that among 22 patients receiving treatment with the integrative combination, there were no mortalities. Among 38 patients treated without this integrative support, there were 21 deaths.

Conclusions: In a retrospective review of the treatment data, treatment of COVID-19 in the nursing home setting with EGCG, humic/fulvic acid, and vitamin C resulted in a significant reduction in overall mortality.