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Chinese Medicine in Fighting against Covid-19: Role and Inspiration
Jin-Gen Li1, Hao Xu2
1Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
Abstract:
Covid-19 pandemic has caused hundreds of thousands deaths and millions of infections and continued spreading violently. Although researchers are racing to find or develop effective drugs or vaccines, no drugs from modern medical system have been proven effective and the high mutant rates of the virus may lead it resistant to whatever drugs or vaccines developed following modern drug development procedure. Current evidence has demonstrated impressive healing effects of several Chinese medicines (CMs) for Covid-19, which urges us to reflect on the role of CM in the era of modern medicine. Undoubtedly, CM could be promising resources for developing drug candidates for the treatment of Covid-19 in a way similar to the development of artemisinin. But the theory that builds CM, like the emphasis of driving away exogenous pathogen (virus, etc.) by restoring self-healing capacity rather than killing the pathogen directly from the inside and the 'black-box' mode of diagnosing and treating patients, is as important, yet often ignored, an treasure as CM herbs and should be incorporated into modern medicine for future advancement and innovation of medical science.
Insights
Chinese medicines show promise for treating COVID-19, offering potential new drug candidates. Integrating traditional CM theory with modern medicine could advance future healthcare innovations.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread mortality and infections, with modern medicine lacking definitive treatments.
- High viral mutation rates pose challenges for developing effective vaccines and drugs.
- Emerging evidence suggests significant therapeutic benefits of Chinese medicines (CMs) for COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of Chinese medicines (CMs) as a resource for novel COVID-19 drug development.
- To highlight the importance of integrating traditional CM theoretical frameworks into modern medical practices.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on the efficacy of Chinese medicines in treating COVID-19.
- Comparative analysis of CM therapeutic principles with modern pharmacological approaches.
Main Results:
- Several Chinese medicines have demonstrated impressive healing effects against COVID-19.
- CMs offer a promising avenue for drug candidate development, analogous to artemisinin's discovery.
- Traditional CM theories, focusing on restoring self-healing capacity, present valuable insights.
Conclusions:
- Chinese medicines represent a valuable resource for developing new COVID-19 treatments.
- Incorporating CM theoretical frameworks, such as enhancing the body's self-healing capacity, is crucial for advancing medical science.
- A synergistic approach combining CMs and modern medicine holds potential for future therapeutic innovations.
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