Utilization of Chinese medicine for respiratory discomforts by patients with a medical history of tuberculosis in Taiwan

Yang, Su-Tso; Lin, Yi-Rong; Wu, Mei-Yao; Chiang, Jen-Huai; Yang, Pei-Shan; Hsia, Te-Chun; Yen, Hung-Rong

In addition to the above three herbs, other herbs have been reported to relieve respiratory symptoms or reduce inflammation. Herba Houttuyniae (Yu-Xing-Cao) has been reported to relieve fever, cough and asthma with anti-inflammatory [68] and antiviral activities [69] . This herb inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway in HMC-1 human mast cells [70] . Semen Trichosanthis (Gua-Lou-Ren) has anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities [71] and immunomodulatory effects [72] . Ophiopogonin-D in Radix Ophiopogonis (Mai-Men-Dong) may be beneficial for reducing the excitability of parasympathetic ganglionic neurons in the airways and cholinergic control of airway function, and its antitussive effects might be due to the activation of K+ channels and hyperpolarization of paratracheal neurons [73] . Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Dan-Shen) could be helpful for reducing lung fibrosis [74] . This species has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects [75] . Radix Scutellariae (Huang-Qin) has shown Fig. 2 The 100 most commonly prescribed herbal formulas and single herbs for patients with tuberculosis were assessed, and the core pattern of the prescriptions shows that Ma-Xing-Gan-Shi-Tang, Bei-Mu, Jie-Geng, and Xing-Ren were among the most frequently prescribed combinations pharmacological effects that are anti-inflammatory, antitumor and hepato-protective. Additionally, these extracts have antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral effects [76] . Research has indicated that a decoction containing Fructus Schisandrae (Wu-Wei-Zi) helps to prevent alveolitis and the development of pulmonary fibrosis [77] . Liver-protective effects of Fructus Schisandrae via the inhibitory effect of CYP-3A4 activity have been reported [78] and may also ameliorate the side effects of hepatitis resulting from the use of anti-TB medication.