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

Among the herbal formulas identified in this research, Ma-Xing-Gan-Shi-Tang is one of the core prescriptions. It has been used to treat asthma [79] and fever associated with pneumonia. It possesses anti-asthmatic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive effects [80, 81] . Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-allergy activities [82] , and it can reduce inflammation in lung tissue via an anti-apoptotic effect and inhibition of cytokine release, as well as prevent pulmonary fibrosis [83] [84] [85] [86] . Ding-Chuan-Tang has shown anti-asthmatic effects in clinical studies [87] . Its protective effects against lung injury in asthma occurs by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines with significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell proliferation, collagen deposition, and damage in the bronchi and alveoli [88] . Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang has been commonly used for rhinitis [51, 52] and has been shown to reduce eosinophil, serum IgE and IL-4 levels [89] . Clinical studies have reported that Yi-Qiao-San may be helpful for patients with H1N1 influenza to reduce the duration of fever [90] . Lung cancer patients displayed better physical function, role function and cumulative survival after receiving combination treatments of a formula containing Bai-He-Gu Jin-Tang with Western medicine [91] .