Traditional Chinese Medicine Offers Hope for COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities

TCM News: As the global community continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are increasingly turning their focus to alternative and complementary treatments. Among these, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a potential solution for managing COVID-19, particularly in patients with preexisting comorbidities. A recent scoping review sheds light on this promising avenue, offering insights into how TCM might help mitigate the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with underlying health issues.


Traditional Chinese Medicine Offers Hope for COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities

The study, conducted by researchers from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and other prominent institutions, delves into the efficacy of TCM in treating COVID-19 patients who suffer from diseases of the circulatory, endocrine, metabolic, respiratory, digestive, urogenital, and other systems. This TCM News report explores the findings in detail, offering an accessible and comprehensive summary for the public.
 
Understanding the Scope of the Research
The review analyzed 13 studies, which included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and case reports. The researchers focused on systemic diseases commonly associated with COVID-19, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hepatitis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and more. These conditions often exacerbate the symptoms and outcomes of COVID-19, leading to higher mortality rates. By integrating TCM with standard Western medical treatments (WMT), the review aimed to uncover new strategies for improving patient outcomes.
 
The study highlights how TCM offers unique advantages, particularly in managing the complex interactions between COVID-19 and comorbidities. For example, the use of herbal formulas such as Qingfei Paidu Decoction (QFPDD) demonstrated significant improvements in clinical symptoms, reduced hospital stays, and enhanced recovery rates.
 
Key Findings: Efficacy of TCM in Specific Comorbidities
-Circulatory Diseases
The review found that hypertension is the most common comorbidity among COVID-19 patients, affecting 45.8% of cases. Studies revealed that patients treated with QFPDD and WMT showed rapid improvement in symptoms such as fever and fatigue. Lung imaging also indicated significant absorption of pulmonary lesions, with no serious adverse events reported.
 
For patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart failure (HF), the use of Yangyin Jiedu Mixture and Baduanjin exercises, along with modified Baoxin Decoction, led to better outcomes. Metrics such as left ventricular ejection fraction and TCM syndrome scores improved markedly compared to conventional treatment alone. Additionally, cerebrovascular diseases such as strokes were addressed using TCM approaches, with one study reporting a 96.3% cure and discharge rate among patients treated with QFPDD.
 
< strong>-Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases
Diabetes, another prevalent comorbidity, was addressed using Jingyin Gubiao Decoction. Patients experienced significant reductions in symptoms like chills, sweating, and cough. Additionally, certain herbs commonly used in TCM, such as Astragalus membranaceus and Lonicera japonica, showed promise in controlling blood glucose levels and improving insulin resistance. Obesity and related metabolic disorders were also explored, with studies suggesting TCM’s potential in improving lipid profiles and reducing inflammation.
 
-Respiratory Diseases
For respiratory conditions like COPD and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), TCM demonstrated its efficacy once again. In one notable case, a 67-year-old woman with PTB and COVID-19 tested negative for the virus after just two days of QFPDD treatment. She was discharged from the hospital within 17 days. Similarly, patients with COPD reported significant symptom relief and shorter hospital stays. Other pulmonary infections, including community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia, also showed positive responses to TCM treatment.
 
-Digestive Diseases
Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) was among the digestive diseases evaluated. Patients treated with QFPDD experienced faster recovery times and improved clinical symptoms compared to those receiving only WMT. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) were also addressed, with TCM formulations showing potential in reducing liver inflammation and promoting cellular repair. Additionally, liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were explored, with encouraging findings regarding symptom alleviation and liver function improvement.
 
-Urogenital Diseases
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other renal conditions significantly increase the risk of complications in COVID-19 patients. Studies showed that TCM combined with WMT effectively reduced mortality rates and improved laboratory markers of inflammation. Patients with CKD who received TCM treatment reported reduced D-dimer levels, better appetite, and shorter hospital stays.
 
-Hematological and Immune Disorders
Though less commonly studied, TCM has shown promise in addressing COVID-19 in patients with hematological conditions like anemia. These patients often face a higher risk of severe outcomes due to compromised oxygen delivery. TCM’s ability to improve red blood cell production and enhance immune function could offer a new avenue for treatment. Additionally, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus were highlighted as potential areas for further TCM research.
 
-Nervous and Reproductive Systems
Neurological conditions, including dementia and stroke, were found to complicate COVID-19 treatment significantly. TCM’s holistic approach, which includes improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation, could benefit these patients. Similarly, reproductive health issues, such as hormonal imbalances and conditions affecting fertility, were identified as areas where TCM might provide support by restoring balance to the body’s systems.
 
-The Broader Implications of TCM
The findings underscore the versatility of TCM in managing diverse comorbidities. Unlike many Western treatments that target specific symptoms, TCM adopts a holistic approach, addressing the root causes of diseases. Its reliance on herbal formulas tailored to individual needs ensures a more personalized treatment regimen.
 
However, the review also highlighted gaps in research. For instance, there is a lack of studies on TCM’s efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients with skin disorders, malignancies, and certain rare diseases. Addressing these gaps through multi-center studies will be crucial for expanding TCM’s application in clinical settings.
 
Conclusions
The review offers compelling evidence that TCM can play a vital role in managing COVID-19, especially for patients with comorbidities. By alleviating symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and respiratory distress, TCM not only improves patient outcomes but also complements existing medical treatments. Notably, the absence of serious adverse effects further supports its integration into mainstream healthcare.
 
Additionally, TCM demonstrated effectiveness across a wide range of comorbidities, including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urogenital, and immune systems. It also highlighted the need for further research into less-studied areas such as nervous, reproductive, and hematological disorders.

Moving forward, the authors emphasize the need for high-quality, large-scale studies to validate these findings. Such research would provide the robust evidence needed to guide clinicians in using TCM effectively.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Infectious Diseases of Poverty.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40249-024-01263-8
 
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