Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula for Acute Asthma: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Proof-Of-Concept Trial

Autor: Hong Ping Zhang, Lei Wang, Zhen Wang, Xian Rong Xu, Xian Mei Zhou, Gang Liu, Lv Yuan He, Jun Wang, Alan Hsu, Wei Min Li, Gang Wang

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in asthma management, exacerbations constitute a significant health economic burden. 

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine formula entitled PingchuanYiqi (PCYQ) granule, on acute asthma and to explore its possible mechanism. 

Materials and methods: This proof-of-concept study consisted of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with acute asthma (n = 300). Participants with acute mild-to-moderate asthma recruited from seven centers in China were randomly assigned to receive PCYQ or placebo. The primary outcomes were PEF (L/min) and total asthma symptom scores. Furthermore, a panel of cytokines including serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-17A, IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, CRP, CCL-5, IP-10, and PGD₂ levels was detected using ELISA. 

Results: The PCYQ (n = 139) significantly improved the morning PEF on day 4 (349.73 ± 93.92 vs. 313.56 ± 92.91 L/min, P = 0.004) and day 7 (360.42 ± 94.39 vs. 329.52 ± 95.97 L/min, P = 0.023), and the evening PEF on day 4 (352.65 ± 95.47 vs. 320.58 ± 95.30 L/min, P = 0.012) and day 7 (360.42 ± 94.39 vs. 336.86 ± 95.59 L/min, P = 0.029) in comparison with the placebo (n = 143). The PCYQ also improved the clinical symptoms scores and reduced the puffs of short-acting β₂-agonist (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the PCYQ statistically reduced IL-5, IL-8, IL-1β and PGD₂ in serum. 

Conclusion: The PCYQ as the Chinese herbal medicine formula significantly improves lung function and symptoms of acute asthma, and reduces SABA dosage possibly via decrease of inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-5, IL-8, IL-1β and PGD₂. 

Published in: Respir Med. 2018 Jul;140:42-49. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2018.05.014. Epub 2018 May 18.

Quelle: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0954611118301768

Kommentar:
Rezeptur Ping Chuan Yi Qi

• Ma Huang (Hb. Ephedrae) 12%
• Hong Shen (roter Ginseng) 12%
• Chuan Shan Long (Rh. Dioscorae nipp.) 24%
• Ku Xing Ren (S. armeniacae arm.) 7%
• Hou Po (Magnolia off.) 7%
• Su Ye (Fol Perillae) 7%
• Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleuri) 10%
• Chen Pi (Per. Citri ret.) 7%
• Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae) 12%