Effects of decoction of gentiana for purging liver-fire (龙胆泻肝汤) in the treatment of herpes zoster

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of decoction of gentiana for purging liver-fire in the treatment of herpes zoster. Methods Sixty-four patients with herpes zoster were randomly divided into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group and western medicine (WM) group, 32 cases in each group. The patients in TCM group were given decoction of gentiana for purging liver-fire add and subtract, and in WM group were given oral valacyclovir and oral ibuprofen sustained release capsule. Results VAS was lowered in the two groups after the treatment. The degree of pain and time of pain relief continuously decreased in TCM group. The onset of neuralgia extinction and analgesic effect was faster in TCM group than that in WM group (P<0.05) . The time of 50% herpes scabbing and herpes extinction after the start of treatment were shorter in TCM group, with statistical differences. The total effective rate was 96.9% in TCM group, and 71.9% in WM group (P<0.05) at the end of a treatment course. The incidence rate of postherpetic neuralgia was 6.3% in TCM group, and 15.6% in WM group, which was statistically significant. Conclusion Decoction of gentiana for purging liver-fire is safe, effective and faster onset in the treatment of herpes zoster. Key words: Gentianae decoction for purging liver-fire; Herpes, ribbon; Traditional Chinese Medicine