Application of Traditional Chinese Medical Herbs in Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Li Li Lin,Jian Ya Xu,Tong Xie,Liu Qing Di,Jin Jun Shan,Cun Si Shen,Shou Chuan Wang,Jia Bin Chen

doi:10.1155/2016/6082729

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common viral pathogen of the lower respiratory tract, which, in the absence of effective management, causes millions of cases of severe illness per year. Many of these infections develop into fatal pneumonia. In a review of English and Chinese medical literature, recent traditional Chinese medical herb- (TCMH-) based progress in the area of prevention and treatment was identified, and the potential anti-RSV compounds, herbs, and formulas were explored. Traditional Chinese medical herbs have a positive effect on inhibiting viral attachment, inhibiting viral internalization, syncytial formation, alleviation of airway inflammation, and stimulation of interferon secretion and immune system; however, the anti-RSV mechanisms of TCMHs are complicated, which should be further investigated.

Highlights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is classified as a nonsegmented, negative-sense, membrane-bound RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, spread by droplets, and causing repeated airway infections [1]
It had been estimated that between 66 000 and 199 000 children younger than 5 years died of RSV-associated diseases in 2005, with 99% of these deaths occurring in developing countries [2]
This review aims to explore evidence available on preventative measures against RSV infection, discuss the current status of anti-RSV research on traditional Chinese medical herb- (TCMH-)derived active compounds, Traditional Chinese Medical Herbs (TCMHs), and traditional Chinese medical formulas (TCMFs), and highlight the challenges, issues, and future directions of using TCMHs in clinical practice

Summary

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is classified as a nonsegmented, negative-sense, membrane-bound RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, spread by droplets, and causing repeated airway infections [1]. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants and children with severe acute lower respiratory infections. It is the third most common cause of death in children, through the development of fatal pneumonia, after pneumococcal pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae type b infection. Due to the nature of the virus and the mode of infection, reinfections are a common event, suggesting that naturally acquired immunity does not provide long-lasting protection. This has made the development of an effective vaccine impossible as yet [6]. This review aims to explore evidence available on preventative measures against RSV infection, discuss the current status of anti-RSV research on TCMH-derived active compounds, TCMHs, and traditional Chinese medical formulas (TCMFs), and highlight the challenges, issues, and future directions of using TCMHs in clinical practice

Evidence Supporting the Efficacy of TCMHs

Prevention

Treatment

Future Directions in the Prevention and Treatment of RSV

Findings

Conclusions