Traditional Chinese medicine in COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the globe, posing an enormous threat to public health and safety. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in combination with Western medicine (WM), has made important and lasting contributions in the battle against COVID-19. In this review, updated clinical effects and potential mechanisms of TCM, presented in newly recognized three distinct phases of the disease, are summarized and discussed. By integrating the available clinical and preclinical evidence, the efficacies and underlying mechanisms of TCM on COVID-19, including the highly recommended three Chinese patent medicines and three Chinese medicine formulas, are described in a panorama. We hope that this comprehensive review not only provides a reference for health care professionals and the public to recognize the significant contributions of TCM for COVID-19, but also serves as an evidence-based in-depth summary and analysis to facilitate understanding the true scientific value of TCM.

Artemisinins in Combating Viral Infections Like SARS-CoV-2, Inflammation and Cancers and Options to Meet Increased Global Demand

“…To combat infection by COVID-19, extracts from different medicinal plants (including from Artemisia spp.) have been tested against COVID-19 ( Bahrami et al, 2020 ; Bailly and Vergoten, 2020 ; Huang et al, 2020 ; Kapepula et al, 2020 ; Koshak and Koshak, 2020 ; Mani et al, 2020 ; Verma et al, 2020 ; Williamson and Kerimi, 2020 ; Belhassan et al, 2021 ; Hassanipour et al, 2021 ; Javed et al, 2021 ; Lyu et al, 2021 ; Nazrul Islam et al, 2021 ; Song et al, 2021 ).…”

Advances in Pathogenesis, Progression, Potential Targets and Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in SARS-CoV-2-Induced COVID-19

“…Meanwhile, these TCMs achieved good results in fighting against SARS-CoV infection in 2003. Moreover, in the 74187 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection reported in China, the effective rate of receiving TCM treatment was more than 90%, and its main effect was to significantly improve and shorten the course of disease, delay disease progression, and reduce mortality ( 248 ). At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine has also been confirmed to have a low incidence of adverse reactions and often self-healing in the treatment of COVID-19 patients ( 249 ).…”

“…In addition to directly blocking the replication and invasion of SARS-CoV-2, several active ingredients in Qingfei Baidu Decoction, Xuanfei Baidu Decoction, Huashi Baidu Decoction, Jinhua Qinggan Granules, Huoxiang Zhengqi Capsules, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, Shufeng Jiedu Capsules, Xuebi Jing injection, Reduning injection, Tanreqing injection and Shenmai injection have been proven to not only reduce inflammation and inflammatory storms but also regulate cytokines and immune dysfunction by regulating multiple signal pathway abnormalities in patients, thus alleviating SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 ( 253 ). In the process of studying the damage of SARS-CoV-2 to organ function, clinical analysis found that Qingfei Paidu Decoction, Jinhua Qinggan Granules, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, and Shufeng Jiedu Capsules may play a protective role in organ damage through the effects of expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrosis ( 248 , 252 ).…”

Clinical data mining reveals Gancao-Banxia as a potential herbal pair against moderate COVID‐19 by dual binding to IL-6/STAT3

“…Many herbal prescriptions showed excellent efficacy, for example, Lianhua Qingwen capsule [ 18 , 19 ], Qingfei Paidu decoction [ 20 , 21 ], Xuebijing injection [ 22 ] and Maxing Shigan decoction [ 23 , 24 ]. These formulae play multiple roles through multi-targets and multi-pathways, including mostly antivirus, anti-inflammation and immunoregulation [ 25 , 26 ]. However, the valuable Chinese medicines (CMs) pairs beneficial to COVID-19 and their pharmacological mechanisms remain to be thoroughly investigated.…”