Traditional Chinese medicines as effective agents against influenza virus-induced pneumonia
Yang M, Wang Y, Yue Y, Liang L, Peng M, Zhao M, Chen Y, Cao X, Li W, Li C, Zhang H, Du J, Zhong R, Xia T, Shu Z · Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy · 2022 September
DOI 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113523
Objective
Influenza virus-induced pneumonia (IVP) is a high morbidity and contagiousness pulmonary infectious disease caused by invasion of the influenza virus into the lower respiratory tract. However, there are only few literature reviews on the prevention and treatment of IVP using TCMs. Therefore, we conducted a review of relevant literature from the past 10 years and a comprehensive analysis of various databases containing reports on TCMs used for IVP prevention and treatment to provide basic data for future research and development of drugs against IVP.
Conclusions
There has been some progress in the prevention and treatment of IVP by using TCMs. However, most research has focused on viral replication, the role of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and lung inflammatory cell infiltration in the pathogenesis of the disease, while there has been relatively little in-depth research on the lung lesions caused by influenza virus infection and on the role TCMs may have in preventing them. At present, analyses of the chemical components and mechanisms of action of TCMs useful in the treatment of IVP are insufficient, and this restricts their further use.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Related insights
- Bee-collected pollen and bee bread, particularly when artificially fermented, demonstrate significant antiviral activity against the H1N1 strain of the influenza A virus.
- High doses of vitamin C, vitamin D supplementation and natural honey can potentially decrease fatalities and support the management of COVID-19.
- The Jing Si Herbal Drink, composed of various antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs, has been confirmed as potentially effective in treating COVID-19 symptoms.
- Yu Xing Cao, a traditional Asian medicine, demonstrates organ protection, immune regulation, and anti-tumour activity when analysed in modern research.
- Green tea consumption has been found to be effective in preventing the contraction of influenza infections.
- Chinese medicine combined with conventional treatment significantly improved clinical efficacy, increased viral nucleic acid negative conversion rate, prominently reduced pulmonary inflammation, and improved host immune function.
- Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in relieving symptoms, shortening treatment time and reducing the development of severe viral pneumonia.
- Traditional Chinese medicine impacts on the prevention and treatment of influenza with potential value in shorting fever durations and alleviating influenza symptoms among children and pregnant women.