Respiratory Conditions

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• Definition
• Introduction
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• 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 Respiratory Conditions" 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 Respiratory Conditions" 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 Respiratory Conditions" 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 Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Pomegranate juice consumption appears to somewhat enhance inflammatory status and complete blood count in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study was a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial involving 48 patients and had two parallel arms. As part of their standard hospital care, patients were either given 500 mL of whole pomegranate juice daily or a placebo for a period of 14 days. The researchers focused on measuring inflammatory indicators and complete blood counts both at the start of the study and at the end of the 14-day intervention period. Following the 14-day intervention, there was a distinguishable decrease in primary outcomes including inflammatory markers such as C reactive protein, interleukin-6, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the group that consumed pomegranate juice as compared to the readings before the intervention. In addition, considerable changes were also observed in secondary outcomes such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, platelets-to-lymphocyte and neutrophils-to-lymphocyte ratios in the pomegranate juice group compared to the parameters before the intervention. Finally, the mean changes in levels of interleukin-6, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocyte, platelets, platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio, blood oxygen saturation and MCV were significantly different between the two groups by the end of intervention, while no significant difference was noted in other blood indices.

A Experimental Study published in 2023 in the journal Foods found that Bee-collected pollen and bee bread, particularly when artificially fermented, demonstrate significant antiviral activity against the H1N1 strain of the influenza A virus. The research investigated the antiviral properties of bee-collected pollen (BCP) and bee bread (BB), including versions that had undergone artificial fermentation. The experiment also assessed separate proteins, water content, and -butanol portions of these substances. The analysis evaluated their effectiveness against the H1N1 strain of the influenza A virus (IAV). The antiviral behavior of these materials was taken in lab conditions via a comparative real-time PCR analysis working on their inhibitory concentration and selectivity index. The outcomes revealed artificial fermentation improved the antiviral effectiveness of BCP. The protein fractions within the BCP and BB presented the greatest antiviral activity. Observations also highlighted that the chemical composition, prominent in proteins, and potentially microbiome metabolism determined the antiviral properties of BCP and BB. The chemical profile analysis emphasized the existence of some specialized metabolites that might be contributing towards this antiviral action.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Pomegranate extract supplements can help improve clinical symptoms and lower blood cell counts associated with inflammation in patients with allergic asthma. In this study, 64 participants with mild to moderate allergic asthma were randomly divided into two groups: a control group which was given placebo capsules and an intervention group which was given pomegranate extract capsules. The intervention group was administered a dosage of 250 milligrams of pomegranate extract twice daily over a period of eight weeks. The clinical symptoms and blood cell counts of all the participants were measured before starting the intervention and post the completion of it. The results of the study indicated that the group which was given pomegranate extract exhibited considerable improvement in clinical symptoms like shortness of breath and restrictions on activity, as compared to the control group. Additionally, the participants in the intervention group displayed a substantive drop in eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts. Notably, there was a statistically significant difference in the neutrophil and eosinophil levels between the two groups, which suggests that pomegranate extract supplementation might have potential therapeutic benefits for asthma patients.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Mediators of Inflammation found that Drinking pomegranate juice and sumac can help reduce symptoms in outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19, alongside standard treatment. In the applied methodology, two groups were randomly formed from 182 outpatients with COVID-19. The first group had a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac, in addition to their standard treatment. The second group, the control group, stuck to the standard treatment only. The results from the study show that outpatients with COVID-19 who consumed a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac, along with their standard treatment, experienced a significant decrease in their symptoms. Such symptoms include fever, chills, coughing, weakness, smell and taste disorders, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. This decrease in symptoms was in comparison to the outpatients with COVID-19 who underwent only the standard treatment. Overall, the consumption of pomegranate juice and sumac has shown to be beneficial in reducing COVID-19 related symptoms.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that HuoXiang ZhengQi (HQXXD) may be a safe and effective treatment for Chronic Cough Variant Asthma (CVA), improving clinical efficacy and airway responsiveness while reducing recurrence rates. HuoXiang ZhengQi (HQXXD) for Chronic Cough Variant Asthma (CVA) was systematically evaluated. The HQXXD group showed significantly higher total effective rates of clinical efficacy and airway responsiveness compared to the control group, while the recurrence rate was lower. Adverse reactions were not reported in HQXXD treatment, indicating its safety for CVA patients.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy found that Pomegranate extract and its phytochemicals can potentially inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) and improve gut microbiota, preventing obesity and diabetes. The study employs the use of in silico molecular docking methodologies to demonstrate that extract from pomegranates and their phytochemicals can serve as inhibitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2's spike protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor contact. These findings are further reinforced by clinical trials which suggest that pomegranates can also alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, dental infections, and symptoms of menopause. This study has also identified numerous active compounds within pomegranates such as alkaloids, anthocyanidins, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, proanthocyanidins, sterols, terpenes, terpenoids, xanthonoids, fatty acids, organic acids, lignans, saccharides, and vitamin C. This mixture of active compounds is believed to significantly contribute to the broad array of pharmacological activities identified within the pomegranate. This includes anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-fibrotic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects. The extract from this fruit improves gut microbiota which could potentially aid in the prevention of obesity and diabetes.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture, either solo or alongside conventional treatment, results in a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life for chronic rhinosinusitis sufferers. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating chronic rhinosinusitis, this study utilized 10 randomized controlled clinical trials, found through searching electronic databases. Through these trials, the posttreatment severity of chronic rhinosinusitis was measured, primarily focusing on the Total Effective Rate and patient ratings on the Visual Analogue Scale. From the analysis of the trial data, it was revealed that acupuncture, when used alone or in combination with conventional treatment methods, led to significant improvements in the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms and the quality of life of patients. This was indicated by enhanced ratings on the Visual Analogue Scale and the Total Effective Rate. It was also noted that the incidence of adverse events was similar across treatment methods. Despite these promising results, the researchers found a high degree of clinical heterogeneity across the included trials, as well as generally moderate-to-low quality of evidence.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Applied Sciences found that Honey, owing to its bioactive compounds, demonstrates potential in treating COVID-19 symptoms by reducing oxidative damage and enhancing the immune system. The review outlines the SARS-CoV-2 virus's mechanisms of action, which is responsible for COVID-19, offering a comprehensive understanding. It also explores the various bioactive assets honey has at its disposal, primarily focusing on its beneficial properties. The discussion elaborates on the potentials of honey's biological properties, especially its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These characteristics of honey, as suggested by the review, could contribute to the relief of oxidative damage and boost the immune system, thereby proving beneficial in combating viral infections, including COVID-19.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that The traditional Chinese medicine phlegm-resolving method combined with either CPAP or health guidance improves obstructive sleep apnea symptoms more effectively than the applied methods alone. The research was conducted by methodically searching databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP using specific search strategies. Data analysis was done using specialized software. For this investigation, thirteen randomized controlled trials were selected which involved a total of 882 patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. These trials compared the efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) phlegm-resolving method when combined with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or with health guidance. In terms of results, it was determined that both combinations of TCM phlegm-resolving method with either CPAP or health guidance significantly improved the apnea/hypopnea index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and lowest oxygen saturation. The effects were observed to be generally better with treatment duration greater than six weeks. During the treatment, except for one mild report of nausea, there were no significant side effects mentioned.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research found that Acupuncture has shown to be potentially beneficial as an alternate or adjunct therapy for patients with Bell's palsy following recovery from COVID-19. In the methodology utilized for this research, an extensive literature search was carried out by two independent investigators. They used multiple sources including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google scholar, LILACS, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, from the year 2000 up until 2021. They used the keywords: Bell’s Palsy, covid-19, acupuncture, Mucormycosis, vaccine, and steroids. Selected articles were only those published in English and included full-text. The studies included in the review were all randomized controlled trials which compared acupuncture intervention's clinical effects (used alone or add on) with no treatment. In terms of results, although the methodological quality of most studies was considered generally low, six randomized controlled trials were found to be satisfactory and included in the study. According to the results across these studies, the groups who received acupuncture treatment reported improved outcomes compared to their baseline or control groups. This was evident as no negative side effects were reported. The review therefore indicates that acupuncture could play a beneficial role in treating patients with Bell's palsy post-recovery from COVID-19, particularly those at risk of mucormycosis and other severe health complications.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that Pomegranate juice, due to its unique bioactive compounds, could potentially alleviate complications related to SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially in patients with pre-existing chronic diseases. The methodology employed in this research involved reviewing and discussing currently available published evidence of the beneficial effects of pomegranate juice during conditions of viral infections. The team exploited databases such as PubMed and Scopus to access relevant references. They centered their investigation around the hypothesis that the bioactive compounds in fresh pomegranate juice are advantageous in various chronic diseased conditions, thereby making the juice potentially beneficial for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. In the discussion of results, the researchers found compelling evidence supporting the idea that pomegranate juice can be helpful in the contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infections, particularly for those patients who have a clinical history of chronic diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Notably, they point out that it is the unique bioactive compounds in the juice that make it beneficial for such situations.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2022 in the journal Pharmaceutics found that Asthma severity can be notably reduced by Xi Xin essential oil, which decreases inflammation, immunoglobulins, and fibrotic mediators, while also alleviating airway obstruction. AEO was administered via a nebulizer for three weeks ahead of exposing mice to ovalbumin (OVA), a protein commonly used to provoke an allergic reaction, and particulate matter (PM), common air pollutants. Co-treatment of AEO, OVA, and PM was carried out for four weeks. Additionally, A549 lung epithelial cells were exposed to PM to study the influence of AEO on lung-fibrosis-related factors. In our study, we found that AEO notably inhibited goblet cell accumulation, which led to a decrease in epithelial thickness. Collagen deposition in lung tissues, a common marker of airway remodeling, was significantly inhibited by AEO in asthmatic mice exposed to OVA and PM. AEO also lessened the influx of inflammatory cells into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, an indicator of respiratory inflammation. Similarly, the increases in serum IgE and IgG, immunoglobulins associated with allergic reactions, and cytokines in lung tissues were reduced by AEO. Moreover, AEO successfully managed the expression of key fibrotic mediators, particularly POSTN and TGF-β. All these indicators point to AEO's potential as a promising therapeutic treatment to alleviate asthma symptoms.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine found that 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. The methodology incorporated in this study involves analyzing the efficacy of the component herbs present in Jing Si Herbal Drink (JSHD). This was done through in vivo and in vitro testing to understand their potential in treating COVID-19. JSHD comprises a combination of 5 antiviral, 7 antioxidant, 7 anti-inflammatory herbs. Furthermore, it includes 2 herbs that inhibit the overactive immune system, one herb that reduces cell apoptosis, and another with antithrombotic ability. These constituent herbs were evaluated for their impact on the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Discussion of the results showed that the ingredients in JSHD have demonstrated potential effectiveness against COVID-19. The active ingredients in the drink were effective in providing symptomatic relief for infected patients. The antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory herbs, along with those altering immune response, inhibiting cellular apoptosis and providing antithrombotic capacity, were all found beneficial against the disease. Thus, JSHD holds promise as a useful adjuvant or supplementary treatment in handling COVID-19.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, significantly improving symptoms without needing relief medication or causing side effects. The study was a two-phase, single-blind, crossover clinical trial where randomly assigned subjects, split into two groups, were treated with either real or sham acupuncture. All participants received treatment thrice a week for four weeks straight before being flipped onto the other form of treatment for another four uninterrupted weeks without a washout period. The real acupuncture treatment plan was guided by Chinese Medicine Theory. The subjects' responses were measured at various stages - before, during, and after the trials. In the study, significant improvement was marked in the subjective symptom scores, both nasal and non-nasal, between the group that received the genuine acupuncture and the sham treatment. It was noteworthy, however, that no marked differences were found in the relief medication scores between the two groups. There were also no recorded side effects from either the real or sham acupuncture groups. This suggests that acupuncture proves to be a safe and effective alternative for managing Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Translational Pediatrics found that Allergic rhinitis in children, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is interrelated with the functionality of lungs, spleen, and kidney and can be treated with combined Western and Chinese herbal medicines. The methodology of this study was based on a review of both traditional Chinese and Western medical theories and practices. Chinese theory postulates that BiQiu, or allergic rhinitis in children, is primarily related to a congenital deficiency in vital qi, dysfunction of the lungs inhibiting nose orifices, and a deficiency of spleen and kidney leading to lung qi deficiency. The review looked into herbal monomers and compounds of Chinese herbal medicines as potential treatments for allergic rhinitis, while also considering the impact of external factors like the cold and inadequate diet. The review highlighted some of the effects and shortcomings of Chinese herbal medicines used alongside Western medicines for treating allergic rhinitis. Particularly, it focussed on how the unique perceptions of life science of the human body from both Eastern and Western cultures can be brought together for a comprehensive method of treatment. The study also outlined future trends of research to enhance this combined treatment approach.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Molecules found that Green tea consumption has been found to be effective in preventing the contraction of influenza infections. To identify the potential benefits of green tea in influenza prevention, a methodical review and combined analysis of eight distinct research studies involving 5,048 participants was completed. The effect of green tea catechin treatment was tested against control conditions and assessed based on infection rates. Five of these studies were randomized controlled trials involving 884 participants and three were cohort studies with 2,223 participants. Subgroups such as those who gargled or took orally ingested forms of green tea were also analyzed separately. Further to this, the possibility of publication biases was evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests. The results showed both the randomized trials and the cohort studies displayed significant preventative effects on influenza infection for those treated with green tea catechins. Notably, there was no evidence of non-uniformity within the data, reinforcing these findings. The pooled results of different consumption methods further supported these findings, showing no disparities among the subgroups. These results suggest the consumption of green tea has tangible prophylactic effects against influenza infection.

A published in 2021 in the journal Science Bulletin found that Qingfei Paidu Decoction might significantly inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α signaling pathways in regulating COVID-19-related cytokine storm. We evaluated the effects of 578 herbs and all 338 reported anti-COVID-19 TCM formulae on cytokine storm-related signaling pathways, and identified the key targets of the relevant pathways and potential active ingredients in these herbs. A total of 16 herbs was identified to have a significant inhibitory effect on the IL-6 pathway, while 37 herbs suppress the TNF-α pathway significantly. In the heatmap of gene expression induced by these herbs, more than half of the genes are down-regulated, suggesting that these herbs have a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of cytokine storm-related genes. By combining the HTS2 assay and herb scoring results, we constructed a formula-herb-gene-pathway network diagram of Qingfei Paidu Decoction. In this formula, we identified 4 herbs with an inhibitory effect on the IL-6 or TNF-α pathways, including Guizhi, which significantly inhibits the IL-6 pathway, and Shegan, Baizhu, and Zexie, which significantly inhibit the TNF-α pathway.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical found that Acupuncture, via nerve stimulation, can be a promising treatment strategy for controlling inflammation and improving organ function during sepsis by activating immune reflexes. The study used a neuromodulation approach, leveraging the technique of peripheral nerve stimulation through acupuncture. This was linked with known somatic-autonomous-immune reflexes with the aim to control inflammation and improve organ functions in sepsis cases. The local and systematic effects of this methodology were largely achieved through the activation of several reflexes. These included the somatic-sympathetic-splenic reflex, the somatic-sympathic-adrenal reflex, the somatic-vagal-splenic reflex, and the somatic-vagal-adrenal reflex. The activation of these particular reflexes is what sets acupuncture apart from other nerve stimulation techniques. In terms of results, the method used for immunomodulation and inflammation control showed considerable promise for sepsis treatment. The acupuncture procedure achieved regulation by activating appropriate reflexes which in turn produced a systemic effect, thereby controlling inflammation and enhancing organ function. The research findings underscore acupuncture as an effective therapy, providing significant advantages for immunomodulation in acute inflammation such as sepsis, leading to a comprehensive, evidence-based therapy recommendation.

A published in 2021 in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy found that Traditional Chinese medicine could reduce the all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients, inhibit virus replication and transcription, and attenuate the cytokine storm and immune deficiency caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Presently, there is good evidence that TCM can effectively alleviate the symptoms of patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19, delay the progression from mild and moderate to severe and critical disease, and reduce severe and critical all-cause mortality. The role of TCM is related to affecting the transcription, replication, and binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the host and attenuating the cytokine storm and weak immunity in patients with COVID-19.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Medicine found that The use of Yu Ping Feng San for pediatric allergic rhinitis appears relatively safe compared to Western medical therapy yet its routine use remains unsupported. The study undertakes a systematic search across multiple databases, including PubMed, the Excerpta Medical Database, Cochrane library and more, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the use of YPFS for pediatric allergic rhinitis. Extracted results were subjected to stringent bias-risk analysis based on the Cochrane Handbook. A meta-analysis was then implemented using RevMan 5.3 software, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was applied to check the quality of evidence for every outcome. The study pooled 10 RCTs covering 1,069 participants aged between 3-15 years for initial inclusion. After certain exclusions, it was determined from the remaining eight RCTs that the overall efficacy did not show any notable advantage for the test group. In addition, inspections into variation of serum immunoglobulin levels showed no statistical significance. However, the safety of YPFS displayed better results, demonstrating a relatively safer approach with lower recurrence rates compared to Western medical therapy.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Journal of Food Biochemistry found that Pomegranate demonstrates anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively control the progression of various respiratory diseases. The research methodology involved both in vivo and in vitro studies to examine the potential effects of pomegranate fruit, juice, extract, peel powder, and oil on a variety of respiratory disorders such as asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The focus was to understand the properties of pomegranates that led to its anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-tumorigenic effects, and how these qualities could potentially attenuate these diseases through modulation of various signaling pathways. The discussion of results revealed that pomegranate was effective in controlling the progression of diverse respiratory diseases, suggesting it could be a key therapeutic target. These results not only demonstrated the potential medical benefits of pomegranate against lung-based diseases but also highlighted its possible role in influencing the lung fibrinolytic system. The findings from both preclinical and clinical studies underscored the influence of pomegranate in tackling lung diseases.

A published in 2021 in the journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy found that 125 anti-COVID-19 traditional Chinese medicine formulae were identified with anti-inflammatory or immune-activating functions. Our research suggested a good approach for evaluating the efficacy of anti-COVID-19 TCM formulae based on their immunoregulatory effects on a macrophage model. The state council of the People’s Republic of China recommended three patented medicines and three TCM formulae for the treatment of COVID-19 which have shown good anti-COVID-19 effects in clinical practice. Our system indicated that five of six formulae and medicines mentioned above possessed a negative normalized enrichment score (NES), including Qingfei Paidu Decoction (ranking 1/98), Lianhua Qingwen Capsule (ranking 6/98), Xuanfei Baidu Formula (ranking 14/98), Huashi Baidu Formula (ranking 20/98), and Jinhua Qinggan Granule (ranking 45/98). The remaining one, Xuebijing Injection (ranking 26/26), had a positive NES.

A published in 2021 in the journal Phytomedicine found that Among the patients hospitalized for COVID-19, the use of Qingfei Paidu Tang was associated with halving the risk of mortality, without raising the risk of acute liver injury or acute kidney injury. Of the 8939 patients included, 28.7% received QPT. The COVID-19 related mortality was 1.2% among the patients receiving QPT and 4.8% among those not receiving QPT. After adjustment for patient characteristics and concomitant treatments, QPT use was associated with a relative reduction of 50% in-hospital COVID-19 related mortality. This association was consistent across subgroups by sex and age. Meanwhile, the incidences of acute liver injury and acute kidney injury were comparable between patients receiving QPT and those not receiving QPT. The major study limitations included that the study was an observational study based on real-world data rather than a randomized control trial, and the quality of data could be affected by the accuracy and completeness of medical records. In this analysis based on a national registry of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, we first demonstrated that QPT use was associated with halving the risk of in-hospital mortality, without any significant increase in the risk of adverse effects, such as acute liver injury or acute kidney injury. Our findings have provided new evidence and insights regarding the treatment of COVID-19.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Molecules found that Bee honey and propolis could have potential beneficial effects as supporting treatments for COVID-19, enhancing immunity and inhibiting viral activity. The study's methodology involved a comprehensive review of the literature on the potential anti-COVID-19 effects of bee honey and propolis, products known for their strong antimicrobial and antioxidant abilities. The researchers conducted molecular simulations to see how various flavonoids found in these products might inhibit essential viral processes. Additionally, they compared the effectiveness of propolis extracts delivered by nanocarriers to ethanolic extracts, and they examined the effects of a combination of honey and propolis on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The findings from the review and simulations suggested that certain flavonoids in honey and propolis may inhibit the fusion of the virus spike with host cells, interactions that cause a cytokine storm, and viral replication. Propolis ethanolic extract, rutin, and propolis liposomes displayed inhibitory action against non-structural proteins of the virus in vitro while naringin inhibited viral infection in specific cells. When delivered via nanocarriers, propolis extracts showed enhanced antiviral effects against the virus compared to ethanolic extracts. Observations of hospitalized patients suggested that those treated with green Brazilian propolis or a honey-propolis combination experienced quicker viral clearance, symptom recovery, and hospital discharge, along with lower mortality rates.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Honey, traditionally a food item, exhibits therapeutic properties—anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and wound healing—showing promise in managing and preventing allergic diseases, as supported by scientific evidence and clinical studies. This mini review explores honey's transition from a conventional food to a potential treatment for allergic diseases. Emphasis is placed on its diverse therapeutic properties, particularly its ability to alleviate pathological conditions and regulate inflammatory cell recruitment in cellular and animal models. Scientific evidence and clinical studies suggest that honey holds potential in relieving allergic symptoms, offering a promising treatment or preventive approach for allergic diseases such as anaphylaxis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. The review provides valuable insights for considering honey in clinical settings for allergic disease management.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Gui Zhi Decoction and associated formulas significantly improve the effectiveness of allergic rhinitis treatments when used alone or combined with Western medicine. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Guizhi Decoction and associated formulas for treating allergic rhinitis. It included a comprehensive search of seven online databases for studies published until February 23, 2020. Each selected study's quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The research used systematic reviews based on the Cochrane systematic review method, facilitated by RevMan 5.3 Software. Interventions in the study varied from using Guizhi Decoction and associated formulas alone to combining them with Western medicine, acupoint-based therapy, Chinese patent medicine, and placebo control. Data from 23 trials involving 2281 participants were collected and systematically analysed. The results showed that Guizhi Decoction and associated formulas, either alone or in conjunction with Western medicine or acupoint-based therapies, exhibited higher efficacy compared to Western medicine alone. The study also reported that adding nasal traditional Chinese medicine fumigation therapy to the Guizhi Decoction formulations could further improve treatment effectiveness. Adverse events were primarily mild and primarily associated with the control groups that used Western medicine alone, requiring no specific medical intervention.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Molecules found that Honey's phytochemical components and bioactive compounds have potential antiviral effects, potentially making it an effective natural product against COVID-19. The methodology of this research utilizes a comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature regarding the antiviral effects and phytochemical components of honey. Previous studies have indicated that certain bioactive compounds present in honey, such as methylglyoxal, chrysin, caffeic acid, galangin, hesperidin, levan, and ascorbic acid, may exhibit antiviral effects or stimulate the body's antiviral immune responses. Through thorough examination of past works, the researchers isolated and focused on these compounds, exploring their potential utility in the context of COVID-19, a novel coronavirus that currently lacks established preventative or treatment measures. The results of the analysis pointed towards the efficacy of honey's bioactive compounds, which were found to potentially display both direct antiviral effects and the promotion of antiviral immune responses. However, the precise mechanisms by which these compounds exert their antiviral activity, particularly against SARS-CoV-2, remain largely unclear. Despite these ambiguities, the research established honey as a fruitful field of study for potential therapeutic material against the novel coronavirus disease.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in relieving symptoms, shortening treatment time and reducing the development of severe viral pneumonia. In the treatment of viral pneumonia through syndrome differentiation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a variety of roles in inhibiting the proliferation, replication, adsorption and membrane penetration of the virus, promoting the expression of interferon in vivo, inhibiting inflammatory reaction, enhancing immunity, etc., which is one of the theoretical bases for the clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of viral pneumonia. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine and compound medicinals are characterized by multi-component, multi-pathway and multi-pathway complex networks. Therefore, drug resistance is relatively rare in the clinical practice of TCM. Moreover, in the process of diagnosis and treatment of TCM, treatment based on differentiation of symptoms and signs, especially treatment based on classification of symptoms and signs, can best reflect the overall concept of TCM. TCM has precise therapeutic activity and less adverse reactions. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the competent therapeutic effects of TCM against viral pneumonia with a prominent safety profile.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Current Allergy and Asthma Reports found that Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically acupuncture, demonstrates promising effects in managing allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and asthma. The methodology for this paper involved an extensive review of recent publications, predominantly those presenting randomized controlled trials, that assess the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating allergies. The focus was on the two most popular treatment modalities in TCM, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Publications detailing the mechanisms by which TCM impacts allergic diseases, as well as literature in Chinese, were also examined. The analysis of the results showed an increasing trend of using TCM, specifically Chinese herbal medicine, to manage allergic diseases. However, literature evidence was found lacking to conclusively establish its effectiveness. On the other hand, acupuncture showed more definitive evidence of its utility, especially when treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, either as a standalone intervention or alongside conventional western medication. Its effectiveness in treating atopic eczema and urticaria was less clear, nonetheless, it's recommended to be incorporated into the treatment of specific allergic diseases on a personalized basis.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that Honey can be used as an alternative to antibiotics by clinicians who wish to offer treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, which may help to combat antimicrobial resistance. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most frequent reason for antibiotic prescription. Since the majority of URTIs are viral, antibiotic prescription is both ineffective and inappropriate. However, a lack of effective alternatives, as well as a desire to preserve the patient–doctor relationship, both contribute to antibiotic over prescription. Antibiotic overuse is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance, rated by the UK government as one of the top 10 risks facing Britain. Furthermore, drug resistant infections are associated with worse patient outcomes than antibiotic susceptible infections, underlining the impact of antimicrobial resistance on individual patients.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that Honey is more effective than usual care alternatives for improving upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, particularly cough frequency and cough severity. We identified 1345 unique records, and 14 studies were included. Overall risk of bias was moderate. Compared with usual care, honey improved combined symptom score, cough frequency. We combined two studies comparing honey with placebo for relieving combined symptoms. Honey was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. It provides a widely available and cheap alternative to antibiotics. Honey could help efforts to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance, but further high quality, placebo controlled trials are needed.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal The American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that 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. A total of 7 valid studies involving 681 patients were included. The meta-analysis exhibited in comparison to conventional treatment, Chinese medicine combined with conventional treatment significantly improved clinical efficacy, and significantly increased viral nucleic acid negative conversion rate. Chinese medicine also prominently reduced pulmonary inflammation, and improved host immune function. Meanwhile, Chinese medicine did not increase the incidence of adverse reactions. According to the allocated data, Chinese medicine has demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety on COVID-19 pneumonia, which need to be confirmed by high quality, multiple-center, large sample randomized controlled trials.

A Cohort Study published in 2020 in the journal Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that Chinese herbal medicine usage in children with asthma can reduce their risk of hospitalization. The study used data from one million individuals randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database's Registry of Beneficiaries. Children under 18 years old diagnosed with asthma were followed from the year 2000 to 2012. These patients were classified into two groups: the Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) group and the non-CHM group. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazard regression model were utilized to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio of the two groups and to determine the correlation between the number of cumulative days the CHM was used and consequent hospitalizations due to asthma. After adjusting for variables such as gender, age, comorbidities, and the total numbers of asthma medications taken, it was found that users of CHM had a reduced risk of hospitalization due to asthma compared to non-CHM users. Children older than six years who used CHM therapy for more than 180 days demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of subsequent hospitalization for asthma.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2020 in the journal The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that Consumption of raw milk early in life appears to provide protection against asthma and allergies, regardless of whether children live on farms or in rural, non-farm areas. Whoever did the research carried out a comprehensive literature review, identifying twelve relevant publications from eight unique studies. Their approach involved a meta-analysis to substantiate the protective effect of raw milk consumption in early life, particularly for ages ranging from less than one year old to five years old. They further analyzed the impacts of raw milk on not only asthma but also other ailments such as wheezing, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic sensitization. Moreover, evidence was provided about the beneficial effects of raw milk for children, both living on the farms and those in rural sectors but not on farms. Moreover, in the interpretation of results, it was clearly evident that the consumption of raw milk had an independent effect, separate from other farm exposures. In essence, even children not residing on farms theoretically can still gain from the benefits of raw milk consumption. However, they express a strong sense of caution, advocating against the consumption of raw milk due to the possibility of life-threatening infections. Furthermore, the distinction between raw farm milk and industrially processed milk was underlined to highlight differences in cellular components, fat fraction, and heating degrees. Preliminary findings link these characteristics and attributes of raw milk to heat-labile molecules and components found in its fat fraction.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that Chinese medicine treatments involving the Bladder and Conception Vessel meridians may be more effective to relieve asthma symptoms than non-meridian interventions. In 204 RCTs that were identified and used in a meta-synthesis, meridians were used 521 times, with the bladder meridian being the most frequently used. Furthermore, 23 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) revealed that the bladder–conception vessel–governor vessel–stomach multiplex meridian intervention was more effective than non-meridian interventions in relieving asthma symptoms. Additionally, either bladder–conception vessel–stomach or bladder–conception vessel–governor vessel–kidney multiplex meridians may be selected in interventions. This study suggests that practitioners target multiplex meridians, especially the meridians of the bladder and conception vessel, to effectively relieve asthma symptoms.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal International Journal of Clinical Practice found that Certain traditional herbal medicines used in east-Asia as adjuncts to conventional medications improved outcomes in acute and chronic asthma. Eighteen studies (2080 participants) were included. All combined TMs with conventional medicines. The single study of acute asthma (n = 300) showed an improvement. For chronic asthma, severity at baseline ranged from very mild to severe. When asthma was mild, significant differences in lung function (FEV1%, PEF/R) were not detectable. When participants had moderate and/or severe asthma at baseline improvements were more evident. For measures of lung function, improvements within the TM groups tended to be greater when the asthma was more severe. Some studies showed MCIDs. No serious adverse events or interactions were reported but safety data were incomplete.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal APMIS found that Traditional Chinese medicine rapidly relieves the clinical symptoms caused by viral infection with a remarkable antifebrile effect. The overall characteristics of TCM in treating viral infectious diseases are that it can significantly lighten the symptoms and bring down the fever quickly; however, the time of viral nucleic acid to be negative in TCM is slower as compared to the chemical antiviral drugs. Some randomized controlled trials showed that Maxingshigan decoction (a classical TCM recipe that is commonly used for pneumonia composed of Chinese ephedra, apricot kernel, gypsum, licorice), Yinqiaosan decoction (a famous TCM recipe mainly composed by Lonicera japonica and Fructus forsythiae is commonly used for cough and sore throat caused by virus infection), and modern Chinese patent medicine Lianhua qingwen capsules (a TCM capsule, which is approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of flu) relieve the clinical symptoms of influenza patients and shorten the time of disease progression.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal APMIS found that Traditional Chinese medicine has a generalized antiviral effect indicating the regulation on the direct inhibition of virus, body immunity, and inflammatory response control. Present, several studies on the anti-virus activity of single Chinese medicinal herb, such as Fructus forsythiae, Radix isatidis, and Scutellaria baicalensis, using modern technology confirmed the effective constituent and materials, as well as the functional mechanism of the relevant parts. A systematic analysis found that TCM decoction and Ganmao capsule (a non-prescription Chinese patent medicine composed of some herbs for clearing heat and toxicity is commonly used in treating cold and flu) had better effects on the treatment of H3N2 and influenza B, respectively, than amantadine and ribavirin. In terms of anti-inflammation, TCM can alleviate the damage caused by excess inflammatory reactions initiated by a virus. The single and compound Chinese medicinal herbs which can cause clearing heat and toxicity could decrease the cytokine storm resulting from the production of several species of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines aim to improve the injury of tissue and organs. In turn, this phenomenon promotes blood circulation and removes stasis, thereby confining the inflammation and promoting its absorption. In the case of SARS, a rapidly spreading infectious disease, TCM combined with corticosteroids during the early stage of the outbreak could decrease the mortality by promoting innate immunity to relieve inflammation. Subsequently, the TCM compounds of Chinese herbs analyzed based on the theory of strengthening healthy Qi and clearing pathogenic factors with the feature of multicomponent, multi-channel, and multiple targets exerted a synergistic effect on inhibiting the virus directly, relieving the immunopathological injury, and controlling the inflammatory reaction caused by virus infection.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal APMIS found that Clinical efficacy can be improved by the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. The combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intravenous preparations with conventional antibiotics can effectively improve the clinical efficacy of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and promote the early rehabilitation of patients, thereby reducing the rate of mortality of the patients. Previous studies showed that Xiyanping injection (TCM injections are approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of respiratory infection; the main ingredient is andrographolide sulfonate) combined with piperacillin and sulbactam significantly improved the clinical efficacy of pulmonary infection in the elderly. Pulmonary infection is the most common complication and cause of death in stroke patients. Compared to simple symptomatic support treatment, the recovery rate and efficiency of Qingjin huatan decoction (famous TCM recipe composed of Scutellaria baicalensis, Fructus gardeniae, Fritillaria thun-bergli, for clearing heat and reducing phlegm) combined with Xiaochengqi decoction (purgative prescription) in the treatment of apoplexy-related lung infection is greatly improved. The symptoms of patients with pulmonary infection complicated with sepsis were significantly improved after treatment with the addition of Shengjiang powder combined with basic Western medical treatment including antibiotics and expectorant application. Consequently, the APACHE2 score was significantly reduced, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were also significantly reduced.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal APMIS found that Traditional Chinese medicine can restrain some infections induced by various drug-resistant bacteria. A large number of studies have shown that multiple traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds, single herbs, and monomers have effects on inhibiting drug-resistant bacteria in both in vitro and in vivo studies such as MRSA, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mechanism of treating drug-resistant bacteria in TCM mainly includes the following two aspects: eliminating plasmid and inhibition of the active efflux pump system. Forsythia decoction can inhibit the active efflux pump of A. baumannii, resulting in the variation of an adeB sequence of efflux pump coding gene. In addition, TCM has a large impact on the production of the inactivating enzyme of antimicrobials to reverse the drug resistance. To inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, Chinese medicinal herbs can alter the structure of bacterial cell wall to affect permeability. Some herbs such as rhubarb and berberine can restrain the formation of biofilms to inhibit the MRSA. Notably, the antibacterial activity of TCM with little side effects is equivalent to that of antibiotics. A study showed that Chinese medicine, Mayushihuang decoction, has the same efficiency with teicoplanin for clearing MRSA; however, distinct adverse effects were not detected in the TCM group as compared to abnormal hepatorenal function in the teicoplanin group.

A Review Article published in 2018 in the journal Molecules found that Tea catechins, found in green tea, may reduce the rates of influenza infection and diminish certain cold symptoms. The research methodology started with interpreting several experimental studies which reported that tea catechins can inhibit influenza viral adsorption and suppress replication and neuraminidase activity. These catechins were also found effective against some common cold viruses and helped to enhance immunity against such viral infections. Additionally, epidemiological studies conducted since the late 1990s were examined which suggested that regular consumption of green tea may decrease influenza infection rates and some cold symptoms, and gargling with tea catechin could potentially protect against the development of influenza infection. For the discussion of results, the studies collectively showed that tea catechins have potential antiviral activity against influenza and some cold viruses. Although clinical evidence supporting these effects remained unconclusive, the review showed promising trends. The consumption of green tea and gargling with tea catechins could lead to potentially decreased rates of influenza infection and lessened cold symptoms according to the analyzed epidemiological studies.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2018 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture appeared to significantly reduce the number of days of antihistamine use while improving rhinitis-specific quality of life and seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms The data from 414 patients were analysed. The acupuncture group used antihistamines significantly less often compared with the other groups (acupuncture vs sham acupuncture: mean difference −4.49 days, p=0.01; acupuncture vs RM: mean difference −9.15 days, p<0.001). Approximately 38% of the acupuncture group did not use any antihistamine in contrast to only 16% in the RM group. The pre-post comparison suggested that the acupuncture patients did not need to increase the days of antihistamine use to alleviate their symptoms, unlike the other groups. Acupuncture appeared to significantly reduce the number of days of antihistamine use while improving RQoL and SAR symptoms; it can therefore be considered a valuable, additional treatment option for patients with SAR.

A Review Article published in 2018 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Moderate‐certainty evidence showed that honey probably reduces cough duration to a greater extent than salbutamol or placebo. Honey group participants were first to get total relief of cough compared to salbutamol or placebo. Honey probably relieves cough symptoms to a greater extent than no treatment, diphenhydramine, and placebo, but may make little or no difference compared to dextromethorphan. Honey probably reduces cough duration better than placebo and salbutamol. There was no strong evidence for or against using honey. Most of the children received treatment for one night, which is a limitation to the results of this review. There was no difference in occurrence of adverse events between the honey and control arms.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Ma Huang Tang may lower the duration of fever when it is used alone or in combination with neuraminidase inhibitors and may be a well-tolerated treatment. Twelve relevant studies were identified, including two randomised controlled trials (RCTs, N = 60) and ten non-randomised studies (NRSs, N = 1110). We found that maoto plus NAIs was superior to NAIs alone in terms of the duration of fever in one RCT and four NRSs. The duration of symptoms or virus isolation did not differ between maoto and NAIs. No severe side effects or adverse reactions were reported related to maoto or NAIs. Although we could not reach a definitive conclusion because of the small sample sizes and high risk of bias in the analysed studies, maoto may lower the duration of fever when it is used alone or in combination with NAIs and may be a well-tolerated treatment. More RCTs are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of maoto.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research found that Chinese herbal medicine tends to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. The researchers examined randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to understand the effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on allergic rhinitis (AR). They conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Springer databases till March 2017, specifically looking for trials that compared CHM's effectiveness to a placebo in treating AR. They evaluated total nasal symptoms and quality of life, also performing sensitivity and subgroup analyses to further explore the source of heterogeneity in the trial results. The study included eleven RCTs in the meta-analysis, which revealed significant heterogeneity among them. This means that the data from these individual studies varied a lot, prompting the researchers to use a random effects model to consolidate the data. While CHM did not make a notable difference in alleviating symptoms like an itchy nose, sneezing, or total nasal symptoms, it did result in a noticeable improvement in the overall quality of life of the AR patients.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Journal of Asthma found that Herbal medicines combined with routine pharmacotherapies improved asthma outcomes greater than pharmacotherapies alone. Twenty-nine (29) studies involving 3,001 participants were included. Herbal interventions used multi-ingredients such as licorice root, crow-dipper, astragali, and angelica. Compared with routine pharmacotherapies alone, herbal medicines as add-on therapy improved lung function; asthma control; reduced salbutamol usage; and reduced acute asthma exacerbations over one year. Compared with placebo plus pharmacotherapies herbal medicines as add-on therapy improved lung function. Other outcomes were not reported in these placebo studies. Included studies were low to moderate quality. Adverse events were rare.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2016 in the journal Journal of the Chinese Medical Association found that Compared with oseltamivir, Chinese herbs might have superior potential effects on fever resolution and similar effects on viral shedding. In this review, several Chinese herbal medicines demonstrated a potentially positive effect on the influenza A (H1N1) strain, especially on its time to defervescence, as in the studies analyzed, the mean time to defervescence in the TCM treatment group was less than that noted in the control group. Furthermore, the duration of influenza A (H1N1) shedding in the integrated Chinese and Western medicine subgroup was less than that noted in the control group, although existing evidence indicated that the difference in duration of viral shedding and effective rate between the two groups was statistically similar. The applicability of the included studies was limited, however, because their inclusion criteria, interventions, durations, and outcome measures were different. Consequently, more well-designed trials are required.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2016 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Traditional Chinese acupuncture can potentially improve olfactory function in patients suffering from postviral olfactory dysfunction who don't respond well to standardized treatments. The study utilised a sample of 50 patients with postviral olfactory dysfunction, who found little to no relief with standardized treatments. These participants were split into two equal groups: one group was subjected to traditional Chinese acupuncture, while the other group served as an observation or control group, who received no new intervention. The researchers then applied subjective olfactory tests using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test to measure the impact of acupuncture treatment on the participants' sense of smell. The results indicated that 11 out of 25 patients who had undergone acupuncture therapy showed improved olfactory function compared to only four from the observation group. It was observed that there wasn't a significant difference in recovery rates based on factors such as age, gender, or duration of disease between both groups. However, findings indicated that patients whose sense of smell was weak (hyposmic) responded to acupuncture therapy better than those who had completely lost it (anosmic).

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Complementary Medicine Research found that Acupoint application may be a valid complementary and alternative therapy for asthma in adults. It contributes especially to improving pulmonary function and reducing the levels of interleukin and immunoglobulin E. However, more studies with longer follow-ups are warranted to confirm the current findings.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2015 in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that Four weeks of acupuncture treatment is a safe and effective option for clinical management of seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Melbourne area for patients' symptom relief and quality of life improvement. A total of 175 participants were included in this trial. RA was significantly better than SA for decreasing SAR symptom severity (sneezing, mean difference −0.28, 95% confidence interval −0.51 to −0.05; itchiness of ears and palate, mean difference −0.40, 95% confidence interval −0.69 to −0.11) at the end of treatment and improving participants' QoL at the end of the treatment and follow-up phases. Furthermore, the acupuncture treatment was safe and well tolerated.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery found that There are high-quality randomized controlled trials that demonstrate efficacy and effectiveness for acupuncture in the treatment of both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Our review of the medical literature from January 2013 through December 2014 revealed that there is research demonstrating efficacy and effectiveness for acupuncture in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, as well as improvement of quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Complementary Medicine Research found that There is strong evidence for Andrographis paniculata (Chuan Xin Lian) being significantly superior to placebo in alleviating the frequency and severity of cough symptoms. Most studies showed significant improvements in active treatment group patients with cough-related symptoms. The study by Narimanian et al. showed particularly good results for mucociliary clearance. The sole exception was the trial conducted by Melchior et al.; a pilot study with relatively few patients. All studies reported small numbers of mild adverse effects, including nausea, emesis, vertigo, skin rash and diarrhea, but none required further treatment. Four trials were assessed quantitatively with regard to changes in the frequency of patients' cough symptoms. In these studies, meta-analysis showed strong evidence that A. paniculata reduced this frequency, although significant heterogeneity was found in the original study results. These 5 trials were also compared with regard to changes in the severity of patients' cough symptoms. The results showed strong evidence for the benefit of phytotherapeutics in this area, although significant heterogeneity was found here, too. These analyses show that A. paniculata is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of patients' cough symptoms.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2015 in the journal American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy found that Our meta-analysis suggests that that acupuncture could be a safe and valid treatment option for allergic rhinitis patients. Because acupuncture may modulate the immune system, it has been proposed as a useful treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Here, we assessed the evidence for the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for the management of AR patients by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literatures. Thirteen full papers that met our inclusion criteria were included, and a total of 2365 participants, including 1126 as treatment group and 1239 as control group, were enrolled. Compared with control group, acupuncture treatment group exerted a significant reduction in nasal symptom scores (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -4.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.42 to -0.43, p = 0.03), medication scores (WMD: 1.39, 95% CI: -2.18 to -0.61, p = 0005), and serum IgE (WMD: -75.00, 95% CI: -91.17 to -58.83, p < 0.00001). Data relating to Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) component score in included studies were analyzed, which ultimately point to the efficacy of acupuncture treatment in improving quality of life in AR patients. No fatal events were reported in any of the included studies, and no serious systemic reaction, which needed treatment in the hospital, was related to the acupuncture treatment.

A published in 2014 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is regularly used in treating upper respiratory tract infections, particularly for patients (more female patients in database found) with mild symptoms, using commonly preferred prescriptions, i.e Yin Qian San & Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang. In this study, data from the National Health Insurance Research Database was analyzed with particular attention to the treatments used for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnoses codes for Taiwan in 2009, were used to identify these treatments. Techniques of data mining and association rules were deployed to examine co-prescriptions of TCM for patients with URTIs. Discussion of the results shows that out of a sample of 472,005 patients who sought treatment for URTIs, approximately 10 percent were treated with TCM and among these, over three-fifths were female. A majority - 79 percent - presented with an acute common cold. The study also noted that certain prescriptions, namely Yin-Qiao-San and Ma-Xing-Gan-Shi-Tang, were most commonly combined for patients with URTIs. The insight showed that patients were more likely to request TCM treatment if their symptoms were mild and they were women. Chinese medicine doctors treating URTIs generally adhered to TCM theory.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2014 in the journal Archives of Medical Research found that Manuka honey exhibits significant anti-influenza viral activity, inhibiting replication with virucidal effects. Combining manuka honey with existing drugs enhances their efficacy, suggesting its medicinal potential. This study aimed to address the urgent need for novel anti-influenza drugs by evaluating the anti-viral activity of honey, focusing on manuka honey. Antiviral activities were assessed using MDCK cells, revealing that manuka honey efficiently inhibited influenza virus replication with an IC50 of 3.6 ± 1.2 mg/mL and a CC50 of 82.3 ± 2.2 mg/mL, resulting in a selective index of 22.9. Virucidal effects were identified as the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, combining manuka honey with zanamivir or oseltamivir significantly enhanced their efficacy, showcasing the potential medicinal value of honey, particularly manuka honey, against the influenza virus. The study underscores the potent inhibitory activity of honey, especially manuka honey, against influenza viruses, offering promising medicinal implications. The observed virucidal effects and the synergistic enhancement of known anti-influenza drugs highlight the multifaceted potential of honey in combating influenza infections. Further exploration of the specific mechanisms underlying these effects could contribute to the development of effective anti-influenza therapies.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2014 in the journal Archives of Medical Research found that Honey, in general, and particularly manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against the influenza virus, demonstrating a potential medicinal value. Antiviral activities of honey samples were evaluated using MDCK cells. To elucidate the possible mechanism of action of honey, plaque inhibition assays were used. Synergistic effects of honey with known anti-influenza virus drugs such as zanamivir or oseltamivir were tested. Manuka honey efficiently inhibited influenza virus replication (IC50 = 3.6 ± 1.2 mg/mL; CC50 = 82.3 ± 2.2 mg/mL; selective index = 22.9), which is related to its virucidal effects. In the presence of 3.13 mg/mL manuka honey, the IC50 of zanamivir or oseltamivir was reduced to nearly 1/1000th of their single use.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Most Chinese medical herbs in the included studies showed similar effects to antiviral drugs in preventing or treating influenza. This updated review assessed the therapeutic effects and safety of Chinese medicinal herbs as an alternative and adjunctive therapy to other commonly used drugs for influenza. Eighteen studies involving 2521 participants were included in the review. 'Ganmao' capsules were found to be more effective than amantadine in decreasing influenza symptoms and aiding recovery in one study (in which adverse reactions were mentioned in the amantadine group although no data were reported). There were no significant differences between 'E Shu You' and ribavirin in treating influenza, nor in the occurrence of adverse reactions. The remaining 17 Chinese herbal trials showed a similar effect to antiviral drugs in preventing or treating influenza. However, since these included studies were of poor quality, the evidence does not support or reject the use of any Chinese herbal preparations for influenza. High‐quality trials are required.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2012 in the journal Allergy found that Acupuncture was found to be a more effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis than sham acupuncture or no treatment. Methodology: The study was a multicenter, parallel-controlled experiment. Three groups of randomized participants either received active acupuncture, sham acupuncture (minimal acupuncture at nonacupuncture points), or were placed on a waitlist (no acupuncture treatment). The treatments were given three times a week over a four-week period. Discussion of Results: The active acupuncture group showed a marked reduction in allergic rhinitis symptoms compared to the other two groups. Despite this, both acupuncture types still showed significant improvements in symptoms when compared to their initial condition, confirming the efficacy of acupuncture in treating allergic rhinitis.

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