Fufang Yuxingcao Heiji for the treatment of COVID-19: clinical observations of a traditional Chinese preparation

Traditional herbal prescriptions are well-established in the treatment of viral respiratory tract infections and have proven extremely valuable during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In China, Fufang Yuxingcao Heiji (FYH; Forsythiae Fructus 0.6 g, Houttuyniae Herba 6 g, Isatidis Radix 1.5 g, Lonicerae flos 0.6 g, Scutellariae radix 1.5 g) is often prescribed [1]. For this prescription, we conducted an observation of COVID-19 positive patients in Germany. Symptoms were assessed via a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, when symptoms had disappeared. The present clinical observation included 23 COVID-19- positive patients (10 males, 13 females, aged 18 – 80 years). The primary symptoms were sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough with or without phlegm. Non-respiratory symptoms included fatigue and weakness, rarely fever. Other symptoms were changes in smell and taste, lack of appetite and thirst, headache, nausea, sweating and changes in stool habits such as bloating and diarrhoea. The duration of treatment was three to six days. FYH was well tolerated, and no side effects were observed, even in patients with tumours. All patients reported an improvement in their symptoms, which was also perceived by the treating physicians (XL, SC). FYH was also administered to COVID-negative health care workers with sore throats in a COVID-19 high-risk environment (COVID-ward). None of them were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection during the preventive treatment. Symptoms reported were resolved. Based on these preliminary observations and the above mentioned previous therapeutic experience in China, FYH appears to be safe and effective for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and warrants further investigation ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 The traditional herbal prescription Fufang Yuxingcao Heiji

 

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• References

• 1 Kuchta K, Cameron S, Lee M, Cai SQ, Shoyama Y.. Which East Asian herbal medicines can decrease viral infections?. Phytochem Rev 2022; 21 (01) 219-237

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. November 2023