Traditional Chinese Medicine Breakthrough, Qi Pi Pill Shows Promise Against Influenza
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 31, 2025 5 hours, 7 minutes ago
TCM News: Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects millions worldwide every year. While vaccines and antiviral drugs exist, the virus continuously mutates, leading to drug resistance and new strains that pose challenges for public health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses, and researchers are now investigating its potential in modern antiviral therapies. One such promising remedy is the Qi Pi Pill (QPP), a Chinese herbal formula that has demonstrated significant antiviral effects against influenza viruses.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Breakthrough, Qi Pi Pill Shows Promise Against Influenza
What Is Qi Pi Pill and How Does It Work
Qi Pi Pill is a traditional herbal formulation consisting of multiple medicinal ingredients, including Renshen (Ginseng), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Fuling (Poria), Gancao (Licorice Root), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Shanyao (Chinese Yam), Lianzi (Lotus Seed), Shanzha (Hawthorn), Liushenqu (Fermented Massa), Maiya (Barley Sprout), and Zexie (Alisma). The pill has long been recommended for boosting digestion, strengthening the spleen, and improving overall well-being. Recently, it was included in guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Shandong Province, China.
This
TCM News report delves into the latest scientific research on QPP’s antiviral properties, specifically its ability to combat influenza A and B viruses. A team of researchers from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Qingdao, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences conducted in-depth laboratory and animal studies to explore the pill’s effectiveness.
How Scientists Tested Qi Pi Pill Against Influenza
The research team conducted multiple experiments to determine how QPP affects influenza viruses. These included:
-Cell-Based Tests: Scientists grew influenza A and B viruses in human lung epithelial cells and treated them with different concentrations of QPP. The results showed that QPP significantly inhibited viral replication and reduced the number of viruses released from infected cells.
-Time-of-Addition Experiments: Researchers examined when QPP is most effective during the virus life cycle. The study found that QPP works by blocking the replication of viral RNA and preventing newly formed viruses from escaping the host cell.
-Molecular Mechanism Studies: QPP was found to target specific viral proteins, including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and neuraminidase (NA), both crucial for influenza virus survival. By inhibiting these proteins, QPP effectively prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading.
-Animal Studies: Mice infected with influenza A virus were treated with QPP. The treatment significantly reduced lung inflammation, v
iral load, and disease severity, suggesting a strong protective effect.
Key Findings from the Study
Potent Antiviral Effects: QPP effectively inhibited both influenza A and B viruses, making it a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment.
-Inhibition of Viral Replication: The herbal formula blocked key viral enzymes responsible for viral RNA replication and the release of new viral particles.
-Reduction of Inflammatory Response: QPP significantly lowered the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing lung damage in infected mice.
-Active Ingredients Identified: Several key herbs in QPP, including Renshen, Gancao, Lianzi, and Zexie, exhibited the strongest antiviral properties.
How Qi Pi Pill Compares to Modern Antivirals
Currently, mainstream antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir marboxil are used to treat influenza. However, the increasing emergence of drug-resistant viral strains has made alternative treatments necessary. QPP’s ability to inhibit influenza virus replication through multiple mechanisms makes it a strong candidate for future clinical trials. Moreover, TCM formulas like QPP are known for their low toxicity and ability to modulate the immune system, making them promising alternatives or complementary treatments to conventional antiviral medications.
Implications and Future Research Directions
The study highlights the growing potential of TCM-based therapies in modern medicine. While the findings are promising, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, long-term effects, and efficacy in human clinical trials. Scientists are now working on isolating and refining the most active compounds in QPP to develop targeted antiviral treatments.
Conclusion
The discovery of Qi Pi Pill’s antiviral properties represents an exciting advancement in the fight against influenza. By targeting multiple stages of the virus life cycle and reducing inflammation, QPP offers a natural and effective alternative to existing antiviral drugs. Future studies will be crucial in determining its full potential as a widely used treatment for influenza and other viral infections.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Animal Models and Experimental Medicine.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ame2.12511
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-approach-to-combat-long-covid-with-traditional-chinese-medicine
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/traditional-chinese-medicine-herbal-remedies-offer-hope-in-combating-covid-19-cytokine-storms
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/tcm-news
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