Under The Angsana Tree: COVID-19: Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicines

TCM used to fight against COVID-19 in S China's Sanya

A pharmacist puts a bottle containing concentrated herbal granules into a machine to dispense traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at a "mobile TCM pharmacy" in Sanya, south China's Hainan province, Aug. 20, 2022.

Following the latest COVID-19 resurgence, twelve makeshift hospitals and three designated hospitals in Hainan province have used TCM to fight the virus.

More than 10,000 doses of TCM decoction are delivered to patients from the hospitals every day.

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Traditional Chinese medicines beneficial in treatment of COVID-19: WHO

The report came in late March after a WHO Expert Meeting on Evaluation of TCMs in the Treatment of COVID-19 was held virtually from February 28 to March 2. The meeting gathered 21 international experts from the six WHO regions to consider three reports, including on clinical service, research and evidence-based evaluation provided by national expert groups in China. According to the WHO report, there are also promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19. For mild-to-moderate cases, the report noted there is encouraging evidence that the studied TCMs, when administered as add-on interventions to conventional treatment, may shorten the time for viral clearance, resolution of clinical symptoms and length of hospital stay when compared to conventional treatment alone.

Meanwhile, experts hold that the studied TCM interventions, given in addition to conventional treatment, were well tolerated and have a safety profile that is comparable to that of conventional treatment alone. There is also encouraging evidence that early application of TCM may result in better clinical outcomes for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, the report added. Based on the findings, the report recommends that the WHO share the outcomes of the meeting with member states in a timely manner, given the evolving nature of COVID-19 globally.

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WHO report highlights the role of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19

Lianhua Qingwen comes in a capsule and was developed in 2003 to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome, or Sars. South China Morning Post

On March 31, World Health Organization released the meeting report of "WHO Expert Meeting on Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Treatment of COVID-19" on its official website. The report acknowledged that on the basis of clinically relevant outcome measures, the studied TCMs are beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19, particularly in mild-to-moderate cases. WHO encourages Member States to consider the integration of traditional medicine interventions such as TCM in planning for the clinical management of COVID-19 in the context of their healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks.

The report pointed out that in the process of treating COVID-19, there are promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19. When administered as add-on interventions to conventional treatment, TCM may shorten the time for viral clearance, resolution of clinical symptoms, and length of hospital stay when compared to conventional treatment alone.

The report recommends that WHO should share the outcomes of this consultation with Member States in a timely manner given the evolving nature of COVID-19 globally. Member States are encouraged to consider the potential use of TCM for the management of COVID-19 in the context of their healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks; share experiences and lessons, particularly those actively acquired through this organized research programme in TCM and clinical experience from China.

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Traditional Chinese medicines beneficial in treatment of COVID-19: WHO

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19, particularly mild-to-moderate cases, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO). It also encourages member states to consider the potential use of TCM for the management of COVID-19 in the context of their healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks. The report came in late March after a WHO Expert Meeting on Evaluation of TCMs in the Treatment of COVID-19 was held virtually from Feb. 28 to March 2.

The meeting gathered 21 international experts from the six WHO regions to consider three reports, including on clinical service, research and evidence-based evaluation provided by national expert groups in China. According to the WHO report, there are also promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19. For mild-to-moderate cases, the report noted there is encouraging evidence that the studied TCMs, when administered as add-on interventions to conventional treatment, may shorten the time for viral clearance, resolution of clinical symptoms and length of hospital stay when compared to conventional treatment alone. Meanwhile, experts hold that the studied TCM interventions, given in addition to conventional treatment, were well tolerated and have a safety profile that is comparable to that of conventional treatment alone.

There is also encouraging evidence that early application of TCM may result in better clinical outcomes for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, the report added. Based on the findings, the report recommends that the WHO share the outcomes of the meeting with member states in a timely manner, given the evolving nature of COVID-19 globally. For member states, in addition to considering the potential use of TCMs, it is also recommended that they share experiences and lessons, particularly those actively acquired through this organized research program in TCM and clinical experience from China. Participants of the expert meeting expressed their appreciation of the significant investment and effort made by the Chinese government and its researchers to advance knowledge and to develop therapeutics for the management of COVID-19 from the outset of the current pandemic. They added that further research is warranted on TCM for the treatment of COVID-19 since the progress to date lays a strong foundation for international collaboration and cooperation that will potentially benefit human health globally through more effective and appropriate application of TCM for COVID-19.

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Singapore trial under way on use of Lianhua Qingwen in treating mild COVID-19

The study, approved on Jan 18, was initiated by the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, said the Health Sciences Authority

A clinical trial has been approved in Singapore to study the use of traditional Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen in treating adults with mild COVID-19. The study, approved on Jan 18, was initiated by the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in response to CNA's queries on Tuesday (Apr 19).

"The main purpose of the study is to assess how Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang capsules, when given in addition to current standard medical treatment, may have a complementary effect on the time to COVID-19 symptom recovery in fully vaccinated adults with mild COVID-19 and who are on home recovery in Singapore," said HSA. "A secondary purpose is to assess how it may have a further effect on the time taken to obtain a negative ART test result." On HSA's clinical trial registry, Dr Ong Sze Tat from Ubi Family Clinic and Surgery and Dr Zuraimi Mohamed Dahlan from Banyan Clinic @ JW are listed as the study's principal investigators.

A total of 300 people, aged between 21 and 79, are expected to be involved in the trial, according to the clinicaltrials.gov website - an international database of clinical studies maintained by the United States National Library of Medicine. The study aims to "assist policymakers in incorporating clinically proven TCM treatment for mild COVID-19 patients on home recovery" as well as establish guidelines on the use of TCM for pandemic treatment, the website stated.

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Traditional Chinese medicine proven beneficial in treatment of COVID-19

Traditional Chinese medicines are beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19, particularly mild-to-moderate cases, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Gansu Province is a major TCM production base in China. In recent outbreaks of infections in the province, TCM has been widely applied to treat patients and has been proven effective.

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Can ancient secrets of TCM help the world fight COVID-19?

Can the ancient secrets of Traditional Chinese Medicine help the world fight COVID-19? China Daily explores how modern science and TCM can complement each other for the greater public good.

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Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 using Traditional Chinese Medicine

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) outbreak in more than 200 countries recently caused viral pneumonia that was extremely infectious and pathogenic. The Chinese government proposes that both Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine can be used in combination to treat pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV2, and TCM effectively provides continuous prevention and treatment.

The present review analyzes and summarizes the prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with TCM. A classified analysis of the efficacy and advantages of TCM for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was performed, and the mechanisms of TCM in treating COVID-19 are summarized. TCM is effective in preventing COVID-19, and medical staff can prevent an iatrogenic infection by taking a decoction made based on the principles of TCM.

As of March 13, 2020, new cases of COVID-19 in China have decreased in number to single digits. TCM's curative effect was outstanding, with a national participation rate of over 90%. More than 70,000 people were cured of COVID-19 and discharged from the hospital. Only approximately 10,000 patients are currently being treated, and the total treatment time is approximately 2 months. TCM is currently the best choice for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and it is expected that it will be promoted by countries around the world.

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Traditional Chinese medicine to fight COVID-19?

A woman mixing medicine at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China Photograph:(AFP)

As China approved boxes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Lianhua Qingwen to combat the virus in Shanghai, a Chinese neurologist questioned whether it is effective against COVID-19.

Chinese authorities had also approved Lianhua Qingwen tablets for Covid-hit Hong Kong. China's health platform Dingxiang Yisheng had declared the herbal medicine Lianhua Qingwen was not effective against COVID-19 as its shares plunged over 10 per cent on Monday. Shanghai residents who have been struggling to get regular food supplies due the lockdown were sent boxes of Lianhua Qingwen pills by Chinese health officials. Lianhua Qingwen reportedly cures sore throat and fever.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the drug. Reports claim Singapore has approved the clinical trial of Lianhua Qingwen to treat mild COVID-19 symptoms in adults

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Researchers seek wider role for traditional product

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) Professor Hsu Chung-hua, center, and a team of NYCU researchers attend a news conference in Taipei yesterday

Researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) who have developed a traditional Chinese medicine formula to suppress COVID-19 yesterday said that they plan to transfer the rights to the product on a non-profit basis.

The formula, known as “Jing Guan Fang,” contains weeping forsythia, Baikal skullcap, Chinese thorowax root, Magnolia officinalis bark and Korean mint, Hsu Chung-hua (許中華), a professor at NYCU’s Institute of Traditional Medicine, told a news conference, adding that it helps to suppress COVID-19 infection and symptoms. The product was developed early in the COVID-19 pandemic, before vaccines became available, by drawing on knowledge from the SARS coronavirus, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, said Hsu, who is director of Taipei City Hospital’s Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branch. Researchers from February to May 2020 conducted an initial study, distributing the product to frontline medical workers and hospital personnel, Hsu said.

Of the 1,086 people who took the formula, about 90 percent reported a reduction in sore throat, cough and other common cold symptoms, he said. Based on the results, researchers at NYCU’s Institute of Traditional Medicine and Institute of Pharmacology conducted animal tests for the product, he said. The formula “significantly reduced” the expression of two proteins in the lungs — ACE2 and TMRSS2 — which are receptors for SARS-CoV-2, thus impeding the process by which it binds to host cells, Hsu said.

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HKSAR chief executive meets mainland TCM experts supporting epidemic fight

A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner serves clients at a dispensary in North Point, HKSAR, China, March 30, 2022. /CFP

Chief Executive Carrie Lam of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday met members of a mainland team of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experts, who are in Hong Kong supporting the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lam thanked the central government and the experts for their assistance, including the formulation of practical anti-epidemic plans for Hong Kong's TCM sector, and said the HKSAR government will continue to promote the application of TCM in Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong's battle against the ongoing fifth wave of infections, TCM has played an active role in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, and the confidence in the use of TCM has been greatly enhanced, Lam said, adding that she looks forward to an increase in Hong Kong residents who benefit from traditional Chinese medicine.She hopes that the HKSAR government and the TCM sector will jointly build on the positive momentum and open a new chapter for the promising development of TCM in Hong Kong.

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Reality can be a bitter pill to swallow

Perhaps the maker of Lianhua Qingwen never anticipated the controversy that has now engulfed the herbal capsules after their early "success" in the mainland.

The capsules have been so popular among the Chinese - including overseas Chinese communities - during the Covid pandemic that even the Hong Kong government has secured millions of boxes to include them in its care packs for free distribution to the public. Shanghai has followed suit amid its struggle to stamp out the virus at community levels. It's a gold mine for maker Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical in the absence of competitors in China.

Since the start of the pandemic, its share price has risen over 260 percent despite concerns voiced by some health authorities elsewhere.New Zealand bans it because it contains an ingredient that is illegal in the country, while Singapore says Lianhua Qingwen cannot treat Covid, but it may relieve symptoms similar to the cheaper paracetamol. The US Food and Drug Administration has issued similar advice.

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