The Chinese government is approving new drugs based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions that have proven effective in treating COVID-19 to boost the fight against the pandemic. Chinese herbs treat Covid-19 by boosting the body’s immune system and reducing lethal viral symptoms.
Evidence Based Research
The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine recently stated that Chinese herbal formulas will undergo more rigorous scientific and evidence-based research moving forward. TCM has traditionally been based on practical experience but in the last twenty years has been rigorous studies with evidence based research as its influence spreads quickly around the world.
TCM administrators stated that in order to accelerate the availability of new COVID-19 drugs, TCM researchers have intensified efforts to analyze data collected during the use of TCM prescriptions in treating COVID-19 patients across China. They have been working with the National Medical Products Administration, the top drug authority, to streamline approval of TCM drugs based on existing prescriptions. An evaluation committee comprised of leading TCM academics and practitioners has been set up to oversee this process.
Essential Herbal Formulas Treating Covid-19
A number of TCM prescriptions have been extensively utilized as part of the emergency response following the outbreak of the epidemic in China, with promising efficacy.
One prescription, Qingfei Paidu Tang, is based on a number of treatments mentioned in a classical TCM work dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). This formula has been used in 28 regions since February 2020 after trials proved it can effectively improve the conditions of COVID-19 patients. Many other TCM herbs and prescriptions have also been used in conjunction with modern medicine over the past year to treat COVID-19 patients.
Most Chinese Covid Patients Take Herbs
More than 92 percent of confirmed COVID-19 patients in China have used TCM, according to a white paper released by the central government in June, and more than 90 percent of patients who received TCM treatment in Hubei province, the hardest-hit area in China, saw their conditions improve.
To help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the TCM administration has promoted exchanges of information with other countries and provided assistance such as sending medical teams to guide treatment and providing TCM drugs at their request. With increasing demand for TCM around the world, China will continue to emphasize the key role of scientific research in the development of TCM.
The TCM administration stated, “Evidence-based medicine can help further elaborate the scientific nature and effectiveness of TCM, so international society can have a better understanding and recognition of TCM.” As such, they are encouraging domestic institutions to intensify research using the latest technology and improving cooperation with leading institutes overseas to achieve breakthroughs.
TCM Gains Legitimacy
A spokesman from the China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association stated that although TCM is based on practical experience, it also requires scientific evidence to prove its efficacy, just like modern medicine. Without sufficient data from clinical trials, it will be challenging for TCM to establish wide recognition across the globe. “The classic TCM theories must be integrated with the evaluation methods of modern medicine to promote the healthy development of TCM and its internationalization”.
Next Steps
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References
This post was based on the following article:
Pandemic gives TCM global role, By WANG XIAODONG | China Daily | Updated: 2021-01-05 07:57