Mechanisms Underlying the Prevention and Treatment of Cholelithiasis Using Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chen Q, Zhang Y, Li S, Chen S, Lin X, Li C, Asakawa T · Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2019 June 17
DOI 10.1155/2019/2536452
Objective
Aim to summarize the underlying mechanisms of currently used Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) in the treatment of cholelithiasis and to describe the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use for cholelithiasis.
Conclusions
The Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) can maintain and protect the liver function, improve biliary fluid dynamics, and regulate the inflammatory reaction. Theoretically, Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) can amend the lithogenic environment either pre- or postoperatively. Hence, Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) should prevent the recurrence of gallstones.
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
Insights
Chinese herbal compounds can potentially treat cholelithiasis by improving biliary dynamics, protecting liver function, reducing cholesterol, and managing inflammation.
In this research, various commonly used Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) were assessed for their application in treating cholelithiasis. The investigation centered around understanding the mechanism through which these CHCs work. Critical to this understanding was the analysis of how CHCs influence biliary dynamics, liver functionalities, the levels of cholesterol and bilirubin, as well as the regulation of inflammatory responses.
Following this evaluation, it was discovered that traditional Chinese medicine-based treatments such as CHCs are effective in improving overall bodily functions. This enhancement of bodily function is integral in preventing the recurrence of cholelithiasis. The results point towards the possibility of the effective use of CHCs for patients with cholelithiasis, offering further choices in treatment besides merely surgical or medication options.