A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial of Weierkang Pills for the Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

Abstract

Background and Goals: There are currently no standard treatments for chronic atrophic gastritis and traditional Chinese medicine may be effective. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of Weierkang pills in treating chronic atrophic gastritis. Materials and Methods: There were 108 patients in our study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In group A, patients received Weierkang pills and patients in group B received folic acid combined with teprenone. Symptoms, endoscopic scores, and biopsy specimens were compared at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Meanwhile, the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in biopsy specimens were also compared. Results: Our study showed that the total effective rates of atrophy/intestinal metaplasia in group A reached the same level as group B (51.7% vs. 40.0%, P=0.419). Weierkang significantly improved the total effective rate of atrophy/intestinal metaplasia in gastric angle compared with group B (64.7% vs. 33.3%, P=0.024). Weierkang can significantly lower the total Kyoto risk score (2.6±1.1 vs. 3.3±1.0, P=0.002) and atrophy score (1.4±0.6 vs. 1.8±0.5, P=0.001) after treatment. In addition, Weierkang improves symptoms (1.3±1.3 vs. 2.3±1.8, P=0.003) and epigastric pain (0.2±0.4 vs. 0.5±0.6, P=0.041). The expression of TFF3 in gastric mucosa decreased significantly after treatment with Weierkang (P=0.002). Conclusions: Weierkang can improve the endoscopic appearance and pathologic changes of chronic atrophic gastritis patients. Symptoms also improved. TFF3 may be involved the pathophysiology mechanism.

Progress in traditional Chinese medicine against chronic gastritis: From chronic non-atrophic gastritis to gastric precancerous lesions

“…Juz , Chuanxiong Rhizoma , Corydalis Rhizoma , Radix Notoginseng , Radix Sanguisorbae , Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli , Pollen Typhae , Linderae Radix , and licorice . Invigorate the spleen, regulate Qi, promote blood circulation RCT Moluodan [ 23 ] Bulbus Lilii , Rhizoma Alismatis , Poria , Radix Notoginseng , Radix Sanguisorbae , Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong , Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii , Radix Oph iopogonis , Radix Linderae , Herba Artemisiae , Scopariae , RadxScrophulariae , Pollen Typhae , Radix Paeoniae Alba , Endothelium Corneum GigeriaeGalli , Herba Dendrobii , Radix Angelicae Sinensis , Rhizoma Corydalis , Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Harmonize-stomach and lower adverse Qi, invigorate the spleen and eliminate distension, and activate blood circulation RCT Weierkang pills [ 24 ] Panax Ginseng C. A. Mey , Ganoderma, Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Methyl Hesperidin Invigorate the spleen and supplement qi RCT Weining granules [ 25 ] Radix Astragali , Po-ria , Rhizoma Curcumae Longae , Fructus Lycii Promote Qi and invigorate the spleen, Tonify the kidney and remove blood stasis RCT Weisu Granules [ 26 ] Perilla frutescens (L.)Britton , Cyperi Rhizoma , Citrus Reticulata , Citri Fructus , Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus , Aurantii Fructus , Arecae Semen , and Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli . Weifuchun, composed of three herbs including Panax ginseng , Isodon amethystoide s, and Bran Fried hovenia dulcis Regulate qi and eliminate distension RCT Weifuchun tablets [ 26 ] Panax ginseng , Isodon amethystoide s, Bran Fried hovenia dulcis Invigorate the spleen and qi, activa...…”

“…According to a randomized double-blind clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of Weierkang pills in the treatment of CAG, the results demonstrated that Weierkang could significantly improve the total effective rate of gastric atrophy/intestinal metaplasia, reduce the Kyoto total risk score and atrophy score, and improve symptoms such as epigastric pain. Furthermore, the expression of TFF3 in gastric mucosa was significantly decreased after Weierkang pills treatment, which may be related to the pathophysiology mechanism [ 24 ].…”

Potential Mechanism of Tibetan Medicine Liuwei Muxiang Pills against Colorectal Cancer: Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analyses

“…Practitioners of traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM), an influential part of Chinese herbal medicine, have constructed a whole theoretical, clinical medicine system based on empirical experience gained during the past few centuries [ 7 ]. TTM is now widely accepted in various Asian countries, and studies have shown that it has definite curative effects in preventing cancerous lesions and reducing adverse reactions after anticancer therapy [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Additionally, the complex mechanisms through which TTM therapy functions in various types of cancer have been elucidated using emerging network pharmacology-based methods [ 12 , 13 ].…”