Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 03, 2024 1 day, 5 hours, 21 minutes ago
TCM News: COVID-19 recovery is often more complex than it seems. While many patients return home after hospitalization or treatment, a significant portion continues to face a host of residual symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, coughing, and mental fog. This condition, known as Long COVID, affects over 65 million people globally. Current medical interventions often fall short of addressing these prolonged aftereffects, leaving patients searching for effective solutions. In this context, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emerges as a potential ally. This
TCM News report sheds light on a groundbreaking clinical trial testing the efficacy of Shenlingkangfu (SLKF) granules, a TCM formulation aimed at alleviating Long COVID symptoms.
New Approach to Combat Long COVID with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Research Design and Institutions Involved
The study was spearheaded by a collaboration of esteemed Chinese medical institutions, including the Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and several affiliated hospitals. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sought to explore how SLKF granules could alleviate symptoms associated with lung-spleen qi deficiency in Long COVID patients.
Trial Methodology
The trial enrolled 154 participants aged 18 to 75 years who had experienced COVID-19 six months prior and exhibited symptoms of lung-spleen qi deficiency, a syndrome recognized in TCM. Participants were divided equally into two groups. The intervention group received SLKF granules, while the control group was administered a placebo. Each participant took 16.9 grams of the respective formulation twice daily over 14 days.
Primary outcome measures included the therapeutic efficacy rate and clinical symptom score. Secondary outcomes assessed fatigue, pain, sleep quality, mental state, anxiety, and biochemical markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Safety was monitored through routine tests and adverse event tracking.
What Are SLKF Granules Made Of?
The SLKF granules are a thoughtfully crafted TCM formulation comprising 14 herbs known for their therapeutic properties:
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Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix): Boosts qi and fortifies the immune system.
-Huangqi (Astragali Radix): Known for anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
-Fuling (Poria): Improves digestion and supports immune health.
-Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma): Strengthens the spleen.
-Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix): Promotes lung and heart health.
-Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus): Alleviates pain and enhances circulation.
-Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma): Reduces headaches and dizziness.
-Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix): Addresses respiratory issues.
<
strong>-Zhiqiao (Aurantii Fructus): Eases gastrointestinal discomfort.
-Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix): Relieves muscle pain and fever.
-Baihe (Lilii Bulbus): Enhances respiratory and mental well-being.
-Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba): Reduces inflammation.
-Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma): Promotes blood circulation.
-Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle): Soothes the throat and reduces fatigue.
Key Findings from the Trial
The results were promising. Patients in the intervention group experienced significant improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, and overall vitality compared to the placebo group. Specific highlights included:
-Symptom Alleviation: Fatigue, coughing, and sleep disturbances saw noticeable reductions, with some patients reporting up to 90% improvement.
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Mental Health Benefits: Anxiety and depression levels dropped considerably, as reflected in scores from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
-Biochemical Improvements: Markers like IL-6 and CRP showed reduced inflammation levels, indicating the potential of SLKF granules in modulating immune responses.
Safety evaluations revealed no severe adverse effects, underscoring the formulation’s suitability for long-term use.
Implications of the Findings
This trial not only validates the effectiveness of SLKF granules but also highlights the broader potential of TCM in addressing Long COVID. While conventional medicine often targets specific symptoms, TCM adopts a holistic approach, treating the body as an interconnected system. The results emphasize the importance of integrating such complementary therapies into mainstream healthcare, particularly for conditions like Long COVID that lack definitive cures.
A Comprehensive Conclusion
The findings from this study open new doors for managing Long COVID, a condition that continues to affect millions worldwide. SLKF granules demonstrated significant improvements across a spectrum of symptoms, from physical fatigue to psychological distress. By addressing the underlying deficiencies in lung and spleen function as per TCM principles, this formulation offers a promising alternative for those seeking relief from the prolonged aftereffects of COVID-19.
While the results are encouraging, the study also highlights areas for future exploration. Longer intervention periods, larger sample sizes, and diversified demographics could provide even more robust evidence for the efficacy and safety of SLKF granules. As we navigate the complexities of Long COVID, this trial serves as a testament to the potential of merging traditional wisdom with modern science.
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed for publication into the journal: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5332179/v1
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/traditional-chinese-medicine-formulation-called-fufang-yinhua-jiedu-granules-shows-promise-in-covid-19-treatment
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-traditional-chinese-medicine-lianhua-qingwen-enhances-immunity-against-omicron-variants
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