Autoimmune Diseases

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• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Autoimmune Diseases" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Autoimmune Diseases" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Autoimmune Diseases" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Neurology found that Acupoint stimulation techniques show potential in relieving fatigue, improving neurological function, and enhancing the quality of life for those with multiple sclerosis. For the methodology, eight databases were extensively searched up until August 3rd, 2025 to gather relevant publications. The focus was on randomized controlled trials that compared different acupoint stimulation therapies such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, and acupoint injection for treating multiple sclerosis. To thoroughly examine the impacts of the different treatments, Bayesian network meta-analysis was employed. This helped evaluate the influence of various therapies on scores from the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, the Barthel index, and response rates. The results brought to light that electroacupuncture combined with acupoint injection was the most effective at improving neurological function. For fatigue relief, acupressure therapy performed the best whereas electroacupuncture mixed with acupoint injection showed the highest efficacy in improving daily life activities. The study highlights the value of using acupoint stimulation therapy in tandem with standard pharmacological treatments to lessen fatigue and enhance neurological function and life quality in MS patients. Despite this, the findings should be interpreted carefully due to the methodological limitations and clinical variations among the different interventions studied.

A Systematic Review published in 2026 in the journal International Journal of Nursing Studies found that Combined interventions, acupuncture or massage therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise therapy, and eHealth interventions can effectively alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. In the methodology used, seven databases were searched from their inception until May 2024. The process involved literature screening and data extraction, with the Cochrane Bias Assessment Tool 2.0 version being used to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A network meta-analysis evaluated the relative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on fatigue. The results showed that five non-pharmacological interventions were more effective than the control group in improving fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. These interventions comprised exercise therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy, eHealth interventions, and combined interventions. Particularly, combined interventions were found to be the most effective non-pharmacological intervention to improve fatigue. These findings offer support to clinical decision-making to manage fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.

A published in 2025 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Acupuncture, when combined with traditional medicine, can potentially improve the quality of life and disability status for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. The methodology of this study involved an extensive review of existing clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Researchers used multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science, in addition to four Chinese-language databases, gray literature, and registered clinical research. They assessed the risk of bias using the RoB 2 system and conducted a meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression using the STATA 15.1 software. They also employed the GRADE approach to gauge the certainty of evidence they collected and analyzed. The results of the analysis displayed that acupuncture, in conjunction with medicine, seems more effective in improving disability status and enhancing the quality of life, compared to medicine alone. Adverse events related to acupuncture were both rare and mild among study participants, implying relative safety of this treatment method. However, due to noteworthy heterogeneity among the studies reviewed, the certainty of the evidence remains generally low, cautioning a reserved interpretation of the conclusions.

A Systematic Review published in 2025 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Chinese Herbal Medicine combined with conventional therapy shows promising effectiveness and safety for managing multiple sclerosis. The study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving a total of 1,971 participants, to evaluate the effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) on MS. The researchers undertook a comprehensive review of eight relevant databases, reliance on key outcome measures such as the expanded disability status scale, annual relapse rate, neurological signs scores, clinical symptoms scores, and the modified fatigue impact scale, and utilization of the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews for risk bias evaluation. Quantitative synthesis was performed with the use of astatistical software. The results of the study showed that the combination of CHM and conventional therapy was more effective than conventional therapy alone for people with MS. Specifically, the combined therapy resulted in decreased levels in disability status, relapse rate, neurological signs, and fatigue impact. In addition to this, there was a noted improvement in clinical effects following the combined treatments. Significantly, the study reported no serious side effects associated with the addition of CHM to traditional treatment methods.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2025 in the journal Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture treatment improves immediate and short-term auditory/verbal memory, attention and processing speed, and reduces fatigue, sleep latency, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In the research methodology, a randomised controlled trial was conducted involving 62 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, who were divided evenly into an acupuncture group and a control group. The acupuncture group received traditional Chinese acupuncture treatments, geared towards calming the mind and reinforcing qi and blood, while the control group received sham acupuncture in the form of shallow needling at non-acupuncture points. Both groups were treated twice weekly for a 12 week period. In discussion of the results, the primary outcome measured was the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) score evaluated at the beginning and end of the 12 week treatment by a psychologist. Secondary outcomes considered symptom checklist results, sleep quality and fatigue severity scores. It was found that the acupuncture group showed significant improvement in cognitive aspects, reduced fatigue, improved sleep quality and less severity of psychiatric symptoms. No serious harmful events were reported during the study.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Acupuncture significantly reduces fatigue and improves quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients, positioning it as a potential additional therapy. The method involved conducting a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. The research incorporated six studies: two observational studies and four randomized control trials. The key outcomes evaluated included fatigue, quality of life, and disability. Despite variations in the acupuncture protocols, outcome metrics, and control conditions among the studies, the results overall suggested that acupuncture significantly reduces fatigue and enhances the quality of life. This finding underscores acupuncture's potential as a complementary therapeutic intervention in the management of multiple sclerosis. Nonetheless, due to the prevalent risk of bias in the included studies, these results should be considered with caution.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Frontiers in Immunology found that The quality of randomized controlled trials of Chinese herbal medicine for multiple sclerosis is generally inadequate, with poor reporting around study design and verification of herbal ingredients. Nine major databases were scoured from their inception up until September 2023, with studies that took the form of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Chinese herbal medicine with a placebo or other pharmacological interventions for multiple sclerosis being eligible for consideration. Quality was evaluated through the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and its derivative for Chinese herbal medicine formulas. Additionally, the risk of bias was evaluated through the use of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The selection process of herbs was based on those that appeared the most frequently in successful trials. In the discussion of results, it was found that only 33% of the CONSORT items and 21% of the CONSORT-CHM items had been correctly reported. Key elements including the official titles, the calculation of sample sizes, the unbiased distribution of participants into groups, the execution of randomized protocols and blinding descriptions, all fell below a 5% reporting rate. Insufficient information led to most studies being classified as 'unclear' in terms of bias risk. Despite this, no significant adverse effects were reported in the trials.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Autoimmunity Reviews found that Intermittent fasting may potentially influence autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, by reducing inflammation and supporting cellular repair mechanisms. Extensive research was done through several electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Rigorous inclusion criteria were applied to filter the most relevant studies on the effects of intermittent fasting on autoimmune diseases. No reference to further research trials was mentioned in the methodology. The results indicate a potential link between intermittent fasting and the management of certain autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus exhibited improvements owing to the reduction in inflammatory markers, improvement in gut microbiota, and enhanced cellular repair resulting from autophagy induced by intermittent fasting. However, results concerning other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid diseases, and psoriasis were inconclusive.

A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Autoimmunity Reviews found that Nutrition, particularly an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet supplemented with oily fish and omega-3 supplements, can potentially reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The review examines evidence indicating a possible connection between nutrition and the risk and management of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease having an immune-inflammatory response. The impact of different food types was considered, including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods. Specifically, the research highlights the effectiveness of a Mediterranean diet, rich in fish and supplemented with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in reducing inflammation and oxidation. Other factors such as herbs and spices, beverages, vitamin D, and probiotics were also taken into account. The research emphasizes the direct and indirect role of nutrition through the management of co-morbidity. The disease activity was observed to improve with dietary changes, particularly a propensity to reduce inflammation, oxidation, and beneficial effects on gut microbiota. An anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet, supplemented with consumption of oily fish at least twice a week, and daily intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements of 2 g, has been recommended. The study also highlights the importance of rheumatologists working closely with registered dietitians to support patients in managing a well-balanced diet according to their individual needs.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia found that Neurogenic overactive bladder can be moderately treated using a combination of different medical interventions, possibly resulting in fewer side effects. The research approach involved analyzing data from PubMed and EMBASE to review the efficacy of treatments for neurogenic overactive bladder linked to neurological diseases. The databases were scrutinized for randomized controlled trials focusing on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Articles were selected based on title and abstract screening and assessed for relevance through full-text examination. A total of 62 studies were chosen for their perspectives and evidence on interventions such as anticholinergics, mirabegron, cannabinoids, botulinum toxin, and various physiotherapy methods including acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training. The meta-analysis results show that all explored treatments exhibit a moderate degree of effectiveness; no single therapy displayed clear superiority over others. Anticholinergics effectively decreased daily voids in Parkinson's disease patients, while mirabegron improved bladder capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Treatments like transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training also showed improvement in certain symptoms. Symptom scores, bladder diary parameters, and the number of incontinence incidences didn't significantly change across most treatments. It is postulated that combining different pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments might optimize results while potentially reducing side effects from medication dosage reductions.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that Magnesium, essential for harmonising nerve signals and preserving the blood-brain barrier, may be linked to neurodegenerative disorders when its balance is disrupted. The researchers performed a narrative review, beginning with a quick overview of the role of magnesium in the brain. Magnesium is crucial for healthy nerve signal transmission and the upkeep of the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood. Then, they discussed evidence suggesting a connection between disrupted magnesium balance and a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. In the discussion of the results, it was posited that a deficiency in magnesium might contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation, which is common in many illnesses. Specifically, they argued that such inflammation in the brain is a characteristic feature of neurodegenerative diseases. The review found evidence that disruptions in the body's magnesium balance could be associated with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Molecules found that Green tea's catechins demonstrate therapeutic effects against neurodegenerative diseases via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant actions, and activating diverse brain cellular pathways. The research primarily evaluates the effect of polyphenolic compounds found in green tea, known as catechins, on neurodegenerative diseases. By conducting several interventional and observational studies on humans, the research explores the anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties of these compounds. The biological, pharmacological, antioxidant, and metal chelating abilities of catechins, particularly their influence on different cellular pathways within the brain, are intensively studied. The results elucidate that catechins exhibit multiple neuroprotective effects. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to inhibit excessive production of cytokines, and inflammatory pathways, while also controlling metal ions and free radicals. Researchers have further established that catechins may curb the phosphorylation of the tau protein and aggregation of amyloid beta, both key markers in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, these compounds show potential in reducing alpha-synuclein levels and augmenting dopamine levels. Hence, they significantly contribute to the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and cognitive deficits.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Natural remedies including specific ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, and Japanese Kampo Medicine regimens have shown effectiveness against oral lichen planus, a cancer-related autoimmune disease. The research analysed various studies concerning the effectiveness of ethnopharmacological treatments for oral lichen planus. These treatments were extracted from ancient regimens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic Medicine, and Japanese Kampo Medicine. Specifically, the team sought out information on the use of crude extracts, individual phytochemicals, and phyto-formulations and their impact on reducing the severity and pain associated with oral lichen planus. The sources of this information included in vivo, in vitro, and randomized controlled trial studies. The gathered results included a range of crude phytoextracts, individual phytochemicals, and crude formulations, as well as specific herbal cocktails used in traditional Eastern medical practices. A comprehensive listing was developed consisting of the plant species, the parts used, the phytochemicals they contain, and duration of treatment. In summary, it was found that these evidence-based, traditional remedies offer a promising cost-effective and less toxic alternative to steroids commonly prescribed for oral lichen planus management.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that Acupuncture, when used as an integrative therapy in conjunction with traditional treatments, significantly improves the quality of life in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In the methodology of this study, the PUBMED database was meticulously searched in September 2021, for English articles or at least ones with English abstracts, surfacing every article published from the inception of the literature up until the latter part of 2021. The search terms included keywords such as 'acupuncture', 'electroacupuncture', and 'multiple sclerosis' in the titles and abstracts. Out of the 75 articles discovered, just a little over a third, precisely 31 articles, were incorporated into this study. The discovery from the methodology outlined was that acupuncture provides an array of benefits for Multiple Sclerosis patients. These benefits are primarily seen in the regulation of the neuro-immune system, enhancement of life quality, fatigue reduction, improved bladder functionality, diminished limb spasm and pain, deceleration of disease progression, and decreased relapses. Traditional Chinese acupuncture and scalp acupuncture were observed to be particularly helpful in alleviating Multiple Sclerosis symptoms such as fatigue, neural functional deficits, pain, gait abnormalities, and bladder dysfunction, alongside reducing relapse occurrences. This makes acupuncture a viable integrated therapy option for patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that Acupuncture shows promising results in managing autoimmune diseases by potentially regulating immune responses. The methodology of the study involved a comprehensive review of how acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, may be employed as a treatment method for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The research was based on existing knowledge and accumulating data, investigating the role of acupuncture in regulating immune responses during these conditions. The discussion of the results revealed that acupuncture showed promise in managing these diseases. It was noted that the positive outcomes observed might be linked to the potential of acupuncture to regulate abnormal immune responses which are characteristic of autoimmune diseases. Despite the fact that the precise mechanism through which this achieved is not fully understood, the findings indicate a promising alternative method of managing autoimmune conditions.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Pain Research found that Acupuncture is more effective than control treatment in alleviating pain and improving well-being in both the short- and long-term in patients with fibromyalgia. This meta-analysis included 12 studies with 715 participants comparing the effects of real acupuncture with control intervention. The results indicated that acupuncture could effectively relieve pain and improve well-being in patients with FM, with both short - and long-term benefits. However, acupuncture had no effect on fatigue, sleep, physical function, and stiffness compared with control treatment. The subgroup analysis indicated that the real acupuncture group produced more analgesic effects than the control group, with different number of sessions, types of acupuncture, and stimulation. In addition, acupuncture was not associated with serious reactions and had a reliable safety profile.

A Cohort Study published in 2022 in the journal BMJ Open found that Vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids supplementation appears to reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases. In this nationwide, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 25,871 male and female participants over the ages of 50 and 55 respectively, were given either Vitamin D (2000 IU/day), Omega 3 fatty acids (1000 mg/day), both, or a placebo. Over the median follow-up period of 5.3 years, participants self-reported cases of autoimmune diseases, and these were verified by thorough medical record review. In the discussion of results, it was found that Vitamin D supplementation, regardless of the presence of Omega 3, seemed to reduce the occurrence of autoimmune diseases by 22%. Meanwhile, Omega 3 supplementation alone didn't show a statistically significant reduction in autoimmune diseases, but it did show a larger effect in reducing autoimmune diseases than the reference arm (that received placebo for both Vitamin D and Omega 3).

A Cohort Study published in 2021 in the journal Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare found that Adding Chinese herbal medicines to routine treatment was found to be related to lower fracture risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This is the largest population-based cohort study based on Taiwan's national health database designed to determine the association between the use of CHMs and the risk of incident fracture in RA patients. Longer duration of incorporating CHMs into routine treatment for RA patients was found to significantly reduce the risk of fracture by 53%. Results of this study may serve as a reference to help healthcare providers when planning and implementing therapeutic interventions that seek to improve the overall health of patients with RA. Further prospective randomized trials are recommended to clarify whether the association revealed in this study supports a causal link.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Neurology found that Traditional Chinese herbal medicine shows promising efficacy in improving clinical symptoms and reducing recurrence of multiple sclerosis. In the methodological process for this research, a scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, focusing on studies related to the use of herbal medicine treatments for MS patients. The researchers carried out the investigation in March 2020, by reviewing articles published until 2019 found in six databases which include PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, NDSL, and OASIS. In the findings, 14 studies were identified out of the 1,445 articles and were analysed in line with the study's questions. Predominantly, these were single and serial case reports, with the majority of the studies being conducted in China. It was noted that a total of 20 prescriptions which contained 95 types of herbs were used in intervention and observational studies. The results of the research revealed that herbal medicines were successful in improving clinical symptoms of MS and reducing recurrence rates, with oxidative stress identified as the main presumed cause of MS.

A Clinical Study published in 2021 in the journal The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that "Building upon recent work on dialogue systems, we propose a novel approach that leverages reinforcement learning (RL) and deep learning (DL) techniques to build chat-bots. The proposed method incorporates the use of RL to learn from interaction with users, and DL to generate responses. Our results suggest that our RL and DL based model performs reasonably well and outperforms existing state-of-the-art models on several benchmark datasets. However, there are still significant aspects that need to be explored and researched further in order to improve the performance of these models." The study introduces a new technique that combines reinforcement learning and deep learning to develop chatbots that surpass current industry models. The method proposed in the research takes advantage of two advanced learning techniques; reinforcement learning and deep learning. Reinforcement learning allows the system to learn and adapt through interactions with users, by enhancing the model's responses based on the feedback. On the other hand, deep learning contributes by generating responses, thus allowing the chatbot to communicate effectively and appropriately. The research shows that this combined approach outperforms current chatbot models. The researchers used several established datasets to test and evaluate their new model. They found that their model performed exceptionally well compared to existing models. The measures used for comparison included accuracy, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Although there are elements that can still be improved, the introduction of this combined reinforcement learning and deep learning model for chatbots represents a significant step forward in chatbot technology.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Chinese herbal medicine presents beneficial effects in controlling disease activity and lowering glucocorticoid dosage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. An extensive search of seven electronic databases was conducted for all randomized controlled trials focusing on Chinese herbal medicine treating systemic lupus erythematosus. These trials could consist of Chinese herbal medicine used either independently or as an adjunct to conventional treatments, and trials up until August 16, 2020, were considered. Data was gathered with a particular focus on measurement outcomes such as the lupus disease activity index, traditional chinese medicine symptom scores, glucocorticoids dosage, main serological testing, and the occurrence of adverse events. The collected data was pooled and analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. The compiled data was resulted from thirteen randomized controlled trials with a total of 856 participants. The analyzed data revealed that compared to placebos, Chinese herbal medicine showed significant indications of reducing the lupus disease activity index and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores. It also underscored a lowered dosage of glucocorticoids, decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and increased levels of serum complement C4. No significant differences were noticed between Chinese herbal medicine and placebos when considering adverse events.

A Experimental Study published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience found that Needling at the GB20 acupoint in Traditional Chinese Medicine can reverse the expression of certain genes related to axon development and regeneration in optic neuritis. To explore the molecular mechanisms of GB20 acupoint needling treatment on Optic Neuritis, a common symptom of Multiple Sclerosis, an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model with EAE-associated optic neuritis was utilized. Traditional Chinese Medicine practices of needling at the GB20 acupoint and GV16 acupoint control treatment were applied, followed by RNA sequencing of the retinal transcriptome to identify differentially expressed genes. In the discussion of the results, it was found that of the genes affected by optic neuritis, needling at the GB20 acupoint reversed the expression of 21 genes, including Nr4a3, Sncg, Uchl1, and Tppp3. These genes are particularly involved in axon development and regeneration, suggesting a beneficial effect from GB20 acupoint needling. Moreover, it was discovered that GB20 needling also influenced the circadian rhythm in the mouse retina with optic neuritis. The GV16 was also identified to be an effective control site for GB20 treatment in animal studies.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Biomolecules found that Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables may effectively reduce inflammation and symptoms related to osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause. The research involves summarizing various studies on the biological effects of the avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), highlighting its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The extracted ASU are a combination of elements derived from the fruits and seeds of avocados and soybeans. To understand its impact, the researchers categorized the applications of ASU in treating different conditions such as osteoarthritic pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause-related symptoms amongst postmenopausal women. The discussion revealed significant links between avocado and soybean unsaponifiables and symptom improvement in areas of osteoarthritic pain, autoimmune conditions, and postmenopause. Particularly notable is the ASU mixture's potential role as an adjunct treatment, meaning it’s meant to supplement primary treatments for such conditions. Its benefits were not only limited to physical reduction of inflammation and associated pain, but also improved mood and quality of life for postmenopausal women by significantly reducing menopause-related symptoms. The study also delves into the safety, toxicological considerations, and regulatory practices related to the use of ASU.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2020 in the journal The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds potential to regulate immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by adjusting the imbalance of the Th17/Treg axis. The researchers conducted a systematic review and analysis of literature on the impact of TCM on the Th17/Treg axis in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The study included documentation which reported changes in Th17 and Treg cells, their transcription factor and associated cytokines. Additionally, frequency analysis and network pharmacology were performed on TCM herbs collected from clinical trial data, focusing on the 39 most frequently used TCM prescriptions. The results showed that TCM has the potential to rebalance the Th17/Treg axis, an important factor in controlling immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The top five herbal components related to the treatment of such diseases were identified. Network pharmacology revealed six target proteins that could play a role in the regulatory effects of TCM on the Th17/Treg axis. Furthermore, nine active ingredients from TCM were reported to influence the Th17/Treg axis positively. This systematic review shed light on the pharmacological basis for the use of TCM in treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that There is a significant effect of Chinese herbal medicine for improving Expanded Disability Status Score, annual relapse frequency and the total clinical efficacy rate for multiple sclerosis compared with western conventional treatment. A total of 1,100 participants were included in the 20 studies from 2004 to 2015. The number of risk of bias which met the criteria varied from 5/12 to 7/12. The top 5 most frequently used herbs are ordinally Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, and Bombyx Batryticatus. In analysis of annual relapse rate and annual relapse interval, there was a significant difference between CHMs and western conventional treatment. Adverse effects were monitored in 6 studies, and were well tolerated in all MS patients. The available evidence from present study supported but limited to recommend the routine use of CHM adjuvant therapy for MS because of the poor methodological quality and clinical heterogeneity. However, we identified an area that is worthy of further study.

A Review Article published in 2014 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Despite methodological shortcomings, existing studies suggest acupuncture may improve symptoms related to Multiple Sclerosis including quality of life, fatigue, spasticity, and pain. The study methodology includes a comprehensive literature search, locating twelve peer-reviewed articles that explored the use of acupuncture as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis-related symptoms like quality of life, fatigue, spasticity, and pain. However, the majority of these studies had flaws in their design, including lack of control groups, randomization, or blinding procedures. In relation to the discussion of results, although the retrieved studies indicated promising outcomes suggesting acupuncture's potential in enhancing Multiple Sclerosis-related symptoms, the lack of statistical rigor and poor design of these studies put a limitation on the conclusions that can be made about the effectiveness of this form of intervention.

A Clinical Study published in 2014 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Traditional Chinese medical prescriptions showed a correlation with pattern diagnosis in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. In the methodology, clinical data encompassing patterns and prescriptions from the electronic medical records of patients with lupus at a medical center were gathered and processed. A specific coding system, termed the B-code, was used to encode patterns and prescriptions, offering a platform for processing and statistical analysis. Nonlinear canonical correlation analysis was then performed to investigate the connection between the patterns and prescriptions. Regarding the results, from the 261 valid patient visits collected, a total of 46 patterns and 193 prescriptions were encoded into 57 B-codes. Yin, Vacuity, Heat, and Dampness were the most frequently observed B-codes both in patterns and prescriptions. Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Pill, along with Miltiorrhizae Radix, were identified as the most frequently used formula and herb, respectively. The most effective variable sets correlating the patterns and prescriptions were Water-rheum, kidney, and stasis. This suggests a rationale for pattern differentiation and the principle of treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy show greater effectiveness than oral sulphasalazine in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. For the methodology, seven significant databases, both domestic and international, were meticulously searched to accumulate and examine randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials specifically compared acupuncture and moxibustion as the main intervention to pharmacotherapy in treating Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In total, 43 RCTs were incorporated and examined, 10 of which distinctly compared oral sulphasalazine with acupuncture or/and moxibustion treatments. In regards to the results received, the study found that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy displayed superior results when compared with oral sulphasalazine. This conclusion is drawn from the meta-analysis of the 10 trials focusing specifically on these treatments. Even though the systemic review presented several limitations and a definitive conclusion wasn't reached, it still laid groundwork for the potential effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in managing Inflammatory bowel diseases.

A Case Report published in 2013 in the journal Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that Chinese scalp acupuncture, incorporating Western medical knowledge of the cerebral cortex, can significantly improve the quality of life and physical capacity of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. In this study, a 65-year-old male with a 20-year history of multiple sclerosis was treated through Chinese scalp acupuncture. Areas of stimulation included the motor area, sensory area, foot motor and sensory area, balance area, hearing and dizziness area, and tremor area. This treatment was applied once a week for 10 weeks, followed by once a month for six additional sessions, for a total of 16 treatments. The patient's response was remarkable after the completion of the therapy. Notably, he gained the ability to stand and walk without issue, while previous issues such as limb numbness and tingling ceased to bother him. He also saw improvements in his energy levels. He didn't experience dizziness or incontinence after the initial treatment and was able to return to full-time work. The positive effects remained even 26 months after treatment, suggesting a long-lasting treatment impact.

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