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A traditional Chinese medicine formula NRICM101 to target COVID-19 through multiple pathways: A bedside-to-bench
Keng-Chang Tsai1, Yi-Chia Huang2, Chia-Ching Liaw3
1National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.155-1, Section 2, Linong Street, Beitou District, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, No. 250 Wu-Xing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
Abstract:
COVID-19 is a global pandemic, with over 50 million confirmed cases and 1.2 million deaths as of November 11, 2020. No therapies or vaccines so far are recommended to treat or prevent the new coronavirus. A novel traditional Chinese medicine formula, Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (NRICM101), has been administered to patients with COVID-19 in Taiwan since April 2020. Its clinical outcomes and pharmacology have been evaluated. Among 33 patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted in two medical centers, those (n = 12) who were older, sicker, with more co-existing conditions and showing no improvement after 21 days of hospitalization were given NRICM101. They achieved 3 consecutive negative results within a median of 9 days and reported no adverse events. Pharmacological assays demonstrated the effects of the formula in inhibiting the spike protein/ACE2 interaction, 3CL protease activity, viral plaque formation, and production of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. This bedside-to-bench study suggests that NRICM101 may disrupt disease progression through its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, offering promise as a multi-target agent for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Insights
Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (NRICM101), a traditional Chinese medicine, shows promise in treating COVID-19. This formula demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in patients, leading to rapid recovery with no adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- COVID-19 is a global pandemic with no approved treatments.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential therapeutic avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes and pharmacology of Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (NRICM101) in COVID-19 patients.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of NRICM101 as a potential COVID-19 treatment.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving 33 COVID-19 patients in Taiwan.
- NRICM101 was administered to 12 severe cases unresponsive to conventional care.
- Pharmacological assays were conducted to investigate antiviral and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving NRICM101 achieved three consecutive negative viral tests within a median of 9 days.
- No adverse events were reported in the NRICM101 treatment group.
- In vitro studies showed NRICM101 inhibited viral entry (spike protein/ACE2 interaction), viral replication (3CL protease, viral plaque formation), and inflammatory cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α).
Conclusions:
- NRICM101 demonstrates significant antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
- This traditional Chinese medicine formula shows potential as a multi-target agent for COVID-19 treatment.
- NRICM101 offers a promising therapeutic option for managing COVID-19 progression.
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