Study finds that traditional Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen enhances immunity against Omicron variants

TCM News: The ongoing battle against COVID-19, especially the more contagious Omicron variant, has pushed scientists to explore various treatment options. One such treatment is the Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine that has shown promise in managing COVID-19 symptoms and aiding recovery. Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-China, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases in Shenzhen, China, have conducted a comprehensive study to understand how LHQW interacts with the immune system of Omicron-infected individuals. This TCM News report delves into the key findings of this research, providing an easy-to-understand summary for the general public.


Study finds that traditional Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen enhances immunity
against Omicron variants

Lianhua Qingwen: A Traditional Medicine with Modern Applications
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been a challenge for healthcare professionals worldwide, especially as new variants like Omicron emerge. Omicron is known for its high transmission rate and ability to evade the immune system. Lianhua Qingwen, a herbal remedy officially included in China's COVID-19 treatment guidelines, has demonstrated antiviral properties in lab settings and clinical trials. It is widely used to alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue, and to accelerate recovery in infected patients.
 
In a recent study, researchers sought to explore the immune landscape of Omicron-infected patients treated with LHQW. The study focuses on how the immune system responds to LHQW treatment, providing insights into its potential benefits in combating the virus.
 
The Study: Understanding the Immune Response
The study, conducted at the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen-China, involved 41 patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: one group received LHQW capsules along with vitamin C, while the control group only received vitamin C. The immune response of these patients was closely monitored over two weeks. Blood samples were taken at different intervals to analyze immune cells and plasma proteins, which helped researchers understand the systemic and dynamic immune changes in response to the treatment.
 
One of the key aspects of the study was the use of advanced techniques such as mass cytometry (CyTOF) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine the changes in immune cell populations and gene expression. This allowed the researchers to provide a detailed picture of how LHQW affects both innate and adaptive immunity over time.
 
Early Findings: Faster Symptom Recovery
The initial findings of the study were promising. Patients who received LHQW showed a significantly faster recovery from symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath compared to the control group. This was evident within the first week of treatme nt, where the LHQW group demonstrated higher recovery rates. These results suggest that LHQW may play a role in accelerating the immune response to the virus, helping patients recover more quickly.
 
Modulation of T Cells: A Key Immune Response
One of the most important findings of the study was how LHQW influenced T cell activation and exhaustion. T cells are crucial for the body's immune defense against viruses. In the study, researchers identified multiple T cell subsets, including memory T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD8+ T cells. These cells play various roles in recognizing and eliminating infected cells.
 
LHQW treatment appeared to modulate T cell activity in a phase-dependent manner. After one week of treatment, there was a decrease in the frequency of memory Tregs, which are known to suppress immune responses. This reduction suggests that LHQW may help prevent the immune system from being overly suppressed, allowing it to fight the virus more effectively. Additionally, the study found that LHQW promoted early activation of CD8+ T cells, which are vital for targeting and killing infected cells. By the second week of treatment, there was a marked decrease in exhausted CD8+ T cells, indicating that LHQW may help prevent immune cells from becoming overworked and losing their ability to fight the virus.
 
Natural Killer Cells and B Cell Activation
LHQW treatment also had a significant impact on natural killer (NK) cells and B cells, two other critical components of the immune system. NK cells play a role in the early defense against viral infections, while B cells are responsible for producing antibodies that neutralize the virus.
 
The study revealed that LHQW reduced the frequency of immature NK cells after one week of treatment, suggesting that it may help promote the maturation of these cells, thereby enhancing their ability to fight infections. Additionally, B cell activation was observed, with an increase in the number of marginal zone B cells (MZB) and CD40hiCCR7hi naïve-like B cells. These B cell subsets are important for rapid antibody production and humoral immunity, which helps the body develop long-term protection against the virus.
 
Gene Expression: Shifting Towards Immune Activation
To further understand the molecular mechanisms behind these immune changes, researchers conducted RNA sequencing of patient samples. This analysis revealed that LHQW treatment was associated with the activation of key immune pathways, particularly those involved in T cell and B cell activation. Several genes related to lymphocyte activation and metabolic processes were upregulated in the LHQW group, suggesting that the treatment may help enhance immune cell function and reduce inflammation.
 
Moreover, the study found that LHQW treatment led to a shift towards anti-inflammatory responses, with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes. This is crucial, as excessive inflammation can cause severe damage to the body's tissues during viral infections. By promoting a balanced immune response, LHQW may help prevent the complications associated with COVID-19, such as severe lung inflammation.
 
Plasma Proteins: Markers of Recovery
The study also examined plasma proteins, which serve as biomarkers for immune responses. Two proteins in particular, β-NGF and CXCL11, were significantly reduced in the LHQW-treated group. These proteins are associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes, and their reduction suggests that LHQW may help mitigate the severity of the infection. Furthermore, a decrease in the immune checkpoint inhibitor PLXNA4 was observed, which could indicate that LHQW supports the activation of T cells by removing inhibitory signals.
 
Conclusion: LHQW as a Promising Treatment for COVID-19
The findings from this study provide valuable insights into how LHQW modulates the immune system in patients infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19. By promoting early T cell activation, reducing immune exhaustion, and enhancing B cell activity, LHQW offers a comprehensive approach to supporting the body's defense against the virus. The study also highlights LHQW's ability to reduce inflammation and prevent overactivation of the immune system, which can lead to severe complications.
 
These results suggest that LHQW has the potential to be an effective treatment option for managing COVID-19, particularly in patients with mild symptoms. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger and more diverse populations.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383524003770
 
For the latest TCM News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-herbs-harvard-led-study-shows-effectiveness-of-various-herbs-used-in-traditional-chinese-herbal-formulations-for-treating-covid-19
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/traditional-chinese-medicine-herbal-remedies-offer-hope-in-combating-covid-19-cytokine-storms