Augmentation of the Clinical Efficacy of Levofloxacin and Antituberculosis Drugs by Chinese Herbal Preparations in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

This study was designed to explore whether Chinese herbals could enhance the clinical efficacy of levofloxacin and a combination of antituberculosis drugs. To this end, a group of pulmonary patients were treated with pyrazinamide, isoniazid, ethambutol, and levofloxacin (control), and the other group (treatment) also received a combination of extra Chinese herbal compounds. After 6 months of therapy, the total efficiency of lesion absorption in the treatment group was higher than in the control group. The treatment group had a higher peak expiratory flow rate, a higher percentage of forced vital capacity, a higher percentage of the first second of forced expiration, higher levels of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and CD4+, and lower levels of CD8+ compared to the control group. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were lower, the sputum conversion rate was higher, and the recurrence rate was lower in the treatment group than the control group. After therapy, the treatment group had higher scores in the quality of daily life, spirit, appetite, fatigue, and sleep assessments. In conclusion, therapy with levofloxacin and antituberculosis drugs combined with Chinese herbal compounds for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis could effectively relieve the inflammatory reaction, promote lesion absorption, and thus improve their lung function and promote recovery.