Oral Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Articles

Comparative efficacy of commercial oral poly-herbal traditional Chinese medicine formulations combined with western medicine in benign prostatic hyperplasia management: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent among the aging male population and often presents with distressing lower urinary tract symptoms. There is emerging evidence that commercial oral poly-herbal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation combined with Western medicine (WM) may offer enhanced therapeutic effects compared to WM alone in BPH treatment. Nevertheless, determining the optimal formulations for BPH remains controversial. We aimed to employ a network meta-analysis to compare and assess differences among commonly used and recommended poly-herbal TCM formulations outlined in the Chinese guidelines for BPH treatment, providing clinical medication recommendations and guidance. Methods: We extensively searched for RCTs of BPH patients that had oral poly-herbal TCM formulations and WM treatment, covering both English and Chinese databases up to 31 October 2023. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool Version 2 (ROB2). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness of various formulations, followed by sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Results: Our meta-analysis included 107 RCTs involving 11,037 patients across 16 oral poly-herbal TCM formulations. The quality of the selected studies was assessed as "Some concerns". Most formulations combined with WM demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy compared to WM alone. For clinical effective rate, Jingui Shenqi pill (JGSQ) + WM had the highest-ranking probability (87.38%). Concerning International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum flow rate of urine, Guizhi Fuling capsule (GZFL) + WM was most effective (91.10% and 98.55%). Regarding the quality of life score and postvoid residual urine, Pulean tablet (PLA) + WM ranked first (86.71% and 91.81%). In controlling prostate volume, Huange capsule (HE) + WM demonstrated the highest efficacy (95.65%). Additionally, among the interventions, Lingze (LZ) + WM capsule exhibited the lowest incidence of adverse drug reactions (2.32%). Conclusion: Combining oral poly-herbal TCM formulations with WM may provide greater therapeutic benefits in BPH treatment compared to WM alone. JGSQ, GZFL, PLA, and HE emerged as promising treatment options. However, further rigorous empirical studies are essential to substantiate these findings. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=459651, CRD 42023459651.

Seven oral traditional Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: a network meta-analysis

Context Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have emerged as potential adjuvant therapies to treat non-small cell lung cancer. More direct comparative studies must be conducted among various oral TCMs. Objective This network meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of seven oral TCMs combined with chemotherapy in treating NSCLC. Methods The analysis included Zilongjin, Banmao, Hongdoushan, Huachansu, Kanglaite, Xihuang, and Pingxiao TCMs. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the following databases: China National Infrastructure, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to April 2023. Two researchers independently extracted data. Results Sixty-eight RCTs (5,099 patients) were included. Compared to chemotherapy, Banmao capsules [odds ratio (OR) = 2.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96–3.69)] and Huachansu tablets [OR = 2.35, 95%CI (1.81, 3.05)] ranked in the top two in terms of increasing disease control rate. The two main TCMs to improve the objective response rate were Banmao capsules [OR = 3.49, 95%CI (2.17, 5.60)] and Zilongjin tablets [OR = 2.62, 95%CI (1.92, 3.57)]. Zilongjin tablets [OR = 3.47, 95%CI (2.14, 5.63)] and Huachansu tablets [OR = 3.30, 95%CI (1.65, 6.60)] were ranked as the top two in improving Karnofsky performance status. Hongdoushan capsules (SUCRA = 18.8%) and Banmao capsules (SUCRA = 19.8%) were the top two in reducing gastrointestinal toxicity. Zilongjin tablets (SUCRA = 18.9%) and Banmao capsules (SUCRA = 26.6%) were the top two to reduce liver and kidney toxicity. Hongdoushan capsules (SUCRA = 15.7%) and Huachansu tablets (SUCRA = 16.8%) ranked the top two in reducing thrombocytopenia. Banmao capsules (SUCRA = 14.3%) and Zilongjin tablets (SUCRA = 26.3%) were the top two decreasing leukopenia. Conclusions Combining oral TCMs with platinum-based chemotherapy has shown superior efficacy compared to platinum-based chemotherapy alone in treating NSCLC.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of 14 cases of scar cancer ulcer wound on head and face

To analyze the clinical characteristics of scar cancer ulcer wound of head and face, and to investigate its diagnosis and treatment. The clinical data of 14 patients with head and facial scar cancer ulcer wounds who met the selection criteria and admitted between January 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 6 females. The age of onset ranged from 21 to 81 years with an average age of 61.6 years. The incubation period ranged from 1 month to 70 years, with a median of 4 years. Site of the disease included 7 cases of head, 6 cases of maxillofacial region, and 1 case of neck region. Injury factors included trauma in 5 cases, scratch in 5 cases, scalding in 2 cases, burn in 1 case, and needle puncture in 1 case. Pathological results showed squamous cell carcinoma in 9 cases, basal cell carcinoma in 3 cases, sebaceous adenocarcinoma in 1 case, papillary sweat duct cystadenoma combined with tubular apocrine sweat gland adenoma in 1 case. There was 1 case of simple extensive tumor resection, 1 case of extensive tumor resection and skin grafting repair, 7 cases of extensive tumor resection and local flap repair, and 5 cases of extensive tumor resection and free flap repair. All the 14 patients were followed up 16-33 months (mean, 27.8 months). Two patients (14.29%) had scar cancer ulcer wound recurrence, of which 1 patient recurred at 2 years after 2 courses of postoperative chemotherapy, and was still alive after oral traditional Chinese medicine treatment. One patient relapsed at 1 year after operation and died after 2 courses of chemotherapy. One patient underwent extensive resection of the left eye and periocular tumor and the transfer and repair of the chimaeric muscle axial flap with the perforating branch of the descending branch of the left lateral circumflex femoral artery, but the incision healing was poor after operation, and healed well after anti-infection and debridement suture. The wounds of other patients with scar cancer ulcer did not recur, and the wounds healed well. Scar cancer ulcer wound of the head and face is common in the middle-aged and elderly male, and the main pathological type is squamous cell carcinoma. Local extensive resection, skin grafting, or flap transfer repair are the main treatment methods. Early active treatment of wounds after various injuries to avoid scar repeated rupture and infection is the foundamental prevention of scar cancer.

Efficacy and safety of oral traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional anti-osteoporosis drugs for osteoporosis and fractures: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional anti-osteoporosis drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis and fractures. The database of China national knowledge infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wangfang (WANGFANG DATA), ChineseBioMedicalLiteratureDatabase, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 1st, 2023 for randomized controlled trials on oral Chinese medicine combined with conventional anti-osteoporosis drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis and fractures. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.1.0. STATA 15.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Outcome measures included overall response rate, adverse events, T-score, bone mineral density, Oswestry Disability Index score, fracture healing time, and visual analog scale score. A total of 72 studies were included, involving 7847 participants. Different treatment options showed different advantages in the adjuvant treatment of osteoporosis and fractures. The total response rate, complication reduction, Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale score reduction, bone mineral density improvement and fracture healing time were all superior to drug therapy alone. The differences were statistically significant, but the improvement in T-score was not significant. The combination of oral traditional Chinese medicine and conventional anti-osteoporosis drugs is more effective and safer than Western medicine alone in the treatment of osteoporosis and fractures, which indicated that the treatment of integrated Chinese and western medicine can promote the healing of osteoporosis and fracture. This approach had a promising clinical application prospect. Due to the limitations of included studies, the ranking results should be interpreted with caution. In the next step, we will further conduct subgroup data based on factors, such as conventional Western medicine treatment regimens, whether surgical treatment was performed, fracture locations.

Updates in psoriasis diagnosis and treatment status in China: results from the National Psoriasis Center Registry.

Updates in psoriasis diagnosis and treatment status in China: results from the National Psoriasis Center Registry.

Long-term outcome of children with acute promyelocytic leukemia: a randomized study of oral versus intravenous arsenic by SCCLG-APL group

Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula (RIF), an oral traditional Chinese medicine mainly containing Realgar (As4S4), is highly effective in treating adult acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the treatment efficacy and safety of RIF have not been verified in pediatric patients. SCCLG-APL group conducted a multicenter randomized non-inferiority trial to determine whether intravenous arsenic trioxide (ATO) can be substituted by oral RIF in treating pediatric APL. Of 176 eligible patients enrolled, 91 and 85 were randomized to ATO and RIF groups, respectively. Patients were treated with the risk-adapted protocol. Induction, consolidation, and 96-week maintenance treatment contained all-trans-retinoic acid and low-intensity chemotherapy, and either ATO or RIF. The primary endpoint was 5-year event-free survival (EFS). The secondary endpoints were adverse events and hospital days. After a median 6-year follow-up, the 5-year EFS was 97.6% in both groups. However, the RIF group had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower incidence of infection and tended to have less cardiac toxicity. All 4 relapses occurred within 1.5 years after completion of maintenance therapy. No long-term arsenic retentions were observed in either group. Substituting oral RIF for ATO maintains treatment efficacy while reducing hospitalization and adverse events in treating pediatric APL patients, which may be a future treatment strategy for APL.

A Case Report of an Effective Treatment for Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone with Integration of Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background: Syndrome of Inappropriate secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is a group of disorders in which free water excretion is impaired due to increased Arginine Vaso Pressin (AVP) secretion in the absence of renal or endocrine dysfunction, which in turn leads to hypotonic hyponatremia. In this case report, we describe the diagnostic process of a patient with SIADH and the treatment with integration of Western and Chinese medicine. Case Presentation: A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for intermittent hand tremors. He was diagnosed with hyponatremia based on laboratory tests. However, after 2 weeks of sodium supplementation, his condition did not improve. Combined with Pituitary MRI, 24h urine sodium and other laboratory tests, he was diagnosed with SIADH. After taking oral tolvaptan and traditional Chinese medicine Rehmanniae Decoction of Six Ingredients granules, his symptoms were alleviated and the serum sodium normalized. Conclusion: SIADH could be as an etiology for hyponatremia that is difficult-to-correct, and traditional Chinese medicine may have some efficacy and advantages.

Current status, trends, and challenges of continuous manufacturing technology for oral traditional Chinese medicine solid preparations

In recent years, continuous manufacturing technology has attracted considerable attention in the pharmaceutical industry. This technology is highly sought after for its significant advantages in cost reduction, increased efficiency, and improved productivity, making it a growing trend in the future of the pharmaceutical industry. Compared to traditional batch production methods, continuous manufacturing technology features real-time control and environmentally friendly intelligence, enabling pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs more efficiently. However, the adoption of continuous manufacturing technology has been slow in the field of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) pharmaceuticals. On the one hand, there is insufficient research on continuous manufacturing equipment and technology that align with the characteristics of TCM preparations. On the other hand, the scarcity of talent with diverse expertise hampers its development. Therefore, in order to promote the modernization and upgrading of the TCM pharmaceutical industry, this article combined the current development status of the TCM industry to outline the development status and regulatory requirements of continuous manufacturing technology. At the same time, it analyzed the problems with existing TCM manufacturing models and explored the prospects and challenges of applying continuous manufacturing technology in the field of TCM pharmaceuticals. The analysis focused on continuous manufacturing control strategies, technical tools, and pharmaceutical equipment, aiming to provide targeted recommendations to drive the development of the TCM pharmaceutical industry.

Oral Chinese Medicine for the treatment of targeted therapy-induced diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The treatment of targeted therapy-induced diarrhea, a common adverse reaction of targeted therapy, with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages; however, a unified TCM prescription is currently missing in clinical practice, and objective outcome indicators are lacking. Here, we aimed to provide medical evidence for the use of oral TCM in the treatment of targeted therapy-induced diarrhea. To this end, we systematically reviewed the literature evaluating the clinical efficacy of oral TCM for the treatment of targeted therapy-induced diarrhea. The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Medical Network, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and OVID databases were used for a literature search of clinical randomized controlled trials examining the use of oral TCM in the treatment of targeted therapy-induced diarrhea until February 2022. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. In total, 490 relevant studies were screened, 480 were excluded based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 10 clinical studies were finally included. The 10 studies included a total of 555 patients: 279 in the treatment group and 276 in the control group. The improvements in total clinical efficiency, TCM syndrome score, and graded efficacy of diarrhea in the treatment group were better than those in the control group (p<0.01); however, there was no difference in the Karnofsky Performance Scale score between the groups. The funnel plot for total clinical efficiency was symmetrical, and the publication bias was found to be low. Oral TCM is an effective treatment for targeted therapy-induced diarrhea and can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients.

Efficacy of acupuncture combined with oral Chinese medicine in the treatment of arrhythmia: A meta-analysis.

At present, Western medicine treatment methods for arrhythmia emerge in an endless stream, but the accompanying side effects are also exposed, which brings pressure on medical resources and social economy. In recent years, the advantages of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the control of arrhythmia have become increasingly prominent. Neiguan (PC6) is the collateral point in pericardium meridian; acupuncture at Neiguan can nourish the heart and calm the mind, and also plays an important role in treating arrhythmias. There is currently a lack of evidence-based medical evidence for the combination of acupuncture and TCM in the treatment of arrhythmia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupuncture combined with oral TCM in the treatment of arrhythmia. Randomized controlled trials published from the inception of databases to June 2022 were reviewed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang databases. Review Manager 5.4.1 was used for the meta-analysis after the reviewers scanned the literature, extracted information, and identified the risk of bias. Eleven randomized controlled trials with 804 patients were reviewed, including 402 and 402 patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The results of the meta-analysis showed a significant benefit of acupuncture plus oral TCM in terms of clinical effectiveness compared with oral TCM alone (n = 696; relative risk (RR), 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 1.30; P < .00001) and in lowering the number of premature beats in 24 hours (n = 374; standard mean difference, -10,55; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -14.61 to -6.49; P < .00001). Acupuncture plus oral TCM was also found to improve the conversion rate (n = 168; RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.52; P = .0002) and increase the left ventricular ejection fraction (n = 250; mean difference, 6.57; 95% CI, 4.11-9.04; P < .00001), but it had no significant increase in adverse events (n = 262; RR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.30-1.09; P = .09). Compared with oral TCM alone, acupuncture combined with oral TCM showed a clear benefit in treating arrhythmias and had no increase in adverse events.

Prevalence and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Chinese adults: a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study.

Prevalence and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Chinese adults: a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study.

Recurrence and risk factors in cured patients with vitiligo: Areal-life single-center retrospective study.

The risk of recurrence after successful repigmentation in vitiligo has attracted attention from both patients and clinicians. The recurrence rate and risk factors in cured patients with vitiligo were analyzed to improve clinical prevention and treatment. Clinical records of 76 patients with vitiligo who demonstrated at least 80% repigmentation were analyzed retrospectively. Single-factor analysis of variance and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to screen the risk factors of vitiligo recurrence. Among the 76 cured patients, 26 relapsed (total recurrence rate of 34.2%). Among these, 20 relapsed within one year (recurrence rate of 26.3%). Single-factor analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p< 0.05) with the age of onset (yr), distribution of onset, and oral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intake between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups. Binary logistic regression analysis displayed that the age of onset (yr) (p= 0.015, OR=1.051), distribution of onset (p= 0.046, OR=0.194), and oral TCM (p= 0.018, OR=4.360) are significant risk factors for vitiligo recurrence. A total relapse rate of 34.2% was observed in cured vitiligo patients. The age of onset (yr), distribution of onset, and oral TCM are risk factors for vitiligo recurrence. The necessary interventions should be considered on these factors for reducing the recurrence rate of vitiligo.

Reporting Quality of Oral TCM Systematic Reviews Based on the PRISMA Harms Checklist from 2013 to 2020.

Systematic reviews focusing on the effectiveness of different kinds of healthcare interventions have been widely published, but there were few guidelines for reporting safety concerns before 2016. The PRISMA harms checklist, which was published in 2016, can standardize reporting quality. To evaluate the safety information reporting quality of oral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in systematic reviews before and after the PRISMA harms checklist was published and to explore factors associated with better reporting. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify all systematic reviews using oral TCM as interventions published before (from 2013 to 2015) and after (from 2017 to 2020) the PRISMA harms checklist was published. We used the PRISMA harms checklist to assess the quality of reporting of the safety information to included systematic reviews. In total, 200 systematic reviews were sampled from eligible studies published between 2013 and 2020. Reviews from 2016 were excluded. Scores on the PRISMA harms checklist (23 items) ranged from 0 to 12. A systematic reviews published after 2016 had better reporting quality compared with studies published before 2016 with regard to the title (P=0.03), results of individual studies (P=0.016), and risk of bias across studies (P=0.043). In all included systematic reviews of our study, the state conclusion in coherence with review findings was reported adequately with the proportion of adherence at 95%; other items had a reporting proportion ranging from 0% to 57%. The four essential reporting items of the PRISMA harms checklist also had a low reporting quality ranging from 0% to 4%. Oral TCM systematic reviews reported inadequate safety information before and after the PRISMA harms checklist was published. This survey suggested that the PRISMA harms checklist should be recommended more to both original research and systematic review authors.

Oral traditional Chinese patent medicines combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for primary dysmenorrhea: A protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis and systematic review.

IntroductionPrimary dysmenorrhea (PD) was the most common gynecological disorder, with an increasingly high prevalence worldwide. PD often accompanied other dysmenorrhea-associated symptoms to trigger exacerbations, and even cause depression and anxiety for patients. As the effective first-line medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become widespread across China and combined with oral traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) for PD in clinical practice. We hope to provide better efficacy and safety evidence about oral TCPMs combined with NSAIDs (oral TCPMs+NSAIDs) for patients with PD by this network meta-analysis.Methods and analysisWe will perform a Bayesian network meta-analysis of all oral TCPMs+NSAIDs for clinical diagnosis as PD. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP information resource integration service platform databases, and clinical registers will be searched from the database inception to June 30, 2022 to find randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers will independently screen and check titles and abstracts and read the full text. Data extraction with the same criteria will be conducted by two researchers, including study characteristics, participant characteristics, interventions and comparators, and outcomes. We will perform the network meta-analysis by the Bayesian random method to analyze the direct and indirect comparisons. Meta-regression with multiple covariates will be conducted to find the potential heterogeneity. We will perform the sensitivity analysis to identify the potential effect on the robustness of our results. Evidence certainty of all interventions in outcomes will be identified and assessed by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment. Funnel plots with Egger test and Begg’s test to detect the potential publication bias.Trial registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42021265675.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on pyrotinib-associated diarrhea in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

e24096 Background: Pyrotinib, an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been a salvage regimen for metastatic HER2+ breast cancer failed to trastuzumab in Chinese guidelines. However, the incidence of pyrotinib induced diarrhea is more than 80% as neratinib. TCM-padia001 (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04988165) is an open-label, phase II study investigating the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating diarrhea and improving tolerability of pyrotinib. Methods: All patients in the group had diarrhea after taking pyrotinib, and they could not be controlled after previous use of other antidiarrheal drugs (loperamide, Bifidobacterium, montmorillonite powder). All patients were treated with oral TCM (a Chinese herbal formula, one dose per day divided in two times) for 3 weeks. Diarrhea assessment was graded according to NCI-CTCAE v5.0 and quality of life was graded according to EORTC QLQ-C30. The primary endpoint was incidence of grade ≥3 diarrhea. Results: A total of 28 patients were enrolled, and 23 patients completed 3 weeks of TCM treatment and were followed up. The median number of diarrheas was 7 times (4-13), and 15 cases in these 23 patients were ≥grade 3 before treatment with TCM. After treatment with TCM, none of patients had grade 3 diarrhea, and the rate of grade 2 diarrhea was 17.4% (4/23). The scores of global health status/quality-of-life assed with EORTC QLQ-C30 in patients were dramatically improved (40.90+7.68 vs. 62.88+7.15) after treatment with TCM. Most importantly, in the symptom domains scores, we found that TCM treatment did not increase the incidence of constipation, but also significantly improved the fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia of patients. Conclusions: TCM is very effective in the treatment of Pyrotinib related diarrhea, and compared with Western antidiarrheal drugs, it will not produce secondary painful symptoms such as constipation. Clinical trial information: NCT04988165.

COVID-19 Knowledge/Practices, Mental Status, and Return-To-Work Concerns Among Healthcare Workers in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, China.

Objective:This study investigated the COVID-19-prevention knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs), their psychological states concerning the return to work, and their trust and requirements in using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent and treat COVID-19. It is hoped that the study can serve as a reference for policy making during the resumption of work in other countries or regions experiencing similar situations.Methods:This study comprised a quantitative cross-sectional online survey design. Purposive sampling and Cluster sampling were used to recruit all HCWs working in public hospitals in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, Hubei Province, China. From April 23 to May 14, 2020, surveys were sent electronically to all 13 public hospitals in this area.Results:In total, 2,079 responses were received and 2,050 completed forms were included. After analysis, 47.9 and 46.6% of HCWs indicated that they possessed very good knowledge or good knowledge of preventative measures, respectively. Multivariable log-binomial regression indicated that male, tertiary hospital, medical staff, and undergraduate/postgraduate qualification were associated with good knowledge. Good knowledge was also well-correlated with good practice (OR: 3.277; 95% CI: 2.734–3.928; P < 0.01). 59.8% of HCWs reported worries about resuming work; especially asymptomatic infections. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) indicated that 10.8% of participants had mild anxiety, 1.5% moderate anxiety, and 0.1% severe anxiety. Female, divorced/widowed, and working in a high risk hospital (the Huangzhou District People's Hospital was used for throat swab examinations of returning workers) were risk factors for concerns about resuming work and anxiety symptoms. However, good preventive knowledge was a protective factor for anxiety. HCWs' trust in using TCM to treat COVID-19 was significantly higher than their trust in using TCM for prevention (P < 0.001). Regarding preferences for preventative TCM products, oral TCM granules were the most preferred (62.4%). HCWs also indicated they wanted to know more about the clinical efficacy, applicable population, and adverse reactions of preventative TCM products (89.3, 81.1, and 81.4%, respectively).Conclusion:While HCWs had good knowledge of COVID-19 preventative measures, this did not eliminate the psychological impact of resumption of work. Promotion of COVID-19 prevention knowledge reduces the risk of infection, and alleviates the worries and anxiety symptoms of HCWs about resuming work (especially in administrative staff, those with low education, and those working in primary hospitals). Additional psychological support is required for female HCWs, divorced/widowed HCWs, and those working in high-risk hospitals. Finally, systematic trials of preventative TCM products are recommended.

A comprehensive update: gastrointestinal microflora, gastric cancer and gastric premalignant condition, and intervention by traditional Chinese medicine.

With the recent upsurge of studies in the field of microbiology, we have learned more about the complexity of the gastrointestinal microecosystem. More than 30 genera and 1000 species of gastrointestinal microflora have been found. The structure of the normal microflora is relatively stable, and is in an interdependent and restricted dynamic equilibrium with the body. In recent years, studies have shown that there is a potential relationship between gastrointestinal microflora imbalance and gastric cancer (GC) and precancerous lesions. So, restoring the balance of gastrointestinal microflora is of great significance. Moreover, intervention in gastric premalignant condition (GPC), also known as precancerous lesion of gastric cancer (PLGC), has been the focus of current clinical studies. The holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is consistent with the microecology concept, and oral TCM can play a two-way regulatory role directly with the microflora in the digestive tract, restoring the homeostasis of gastrointestinal microflora to prevent canceration. However, large gaps in knowledge remain to be addressed. This review aims to provide new ideas and a reference for clinical practice.

Professor Renting Li’s Combination of Internal and External Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Radiation Enteritis

Radiotherapy is a common treatment for abdominal and pelvic malignancies with bone metastases. However, some patients develop radiation enteritis (RE) during the treatment or 2 months or more after the treatment, which seriously affects their quality of life. At present, the curative effect of western medicine is poor. Professor Renting Li believes that radiation kills tumor cells but at the same time, it damages the healthy Qi of the human body. Radiation causes heat and poison to accumulate in the intestinal tract, consumes and hurts Yin fluid, burns the vein, leads to deficiency of healthy Qi and poor detoxification, as well as cause blood stasis after a period of time. All these result in the combination of heat, blood stasis, and poison, manifesting as abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucus in stools, purulent and bloody stools, etc. Therefore, Professor Renting Li proposed the use of traditional Chinese medicine retention enema combined with oral traditional Chinese medicine to reduce symptoms, remove toxins, and improve the quality of life of patients.

Xiaojin Pill with natural musk in the treatment of plasma cell mastitis

Introduction: Plasma cell mastitis is a rare benign suppurative disease of the breast based on the dilatation of mammary ducts and infiltration of plasma cells. Modern medicine focuses on surgical treatment. It is easy to recur after operation. Xiaojin Pill with natural musk is a oral traditional Chinese medicine and plays a role in benign breast diseases. There are very few reports on the use of Xiaojin Pill with natural musk in treating plasma cell mastitis yet. Cases: This paper reports 3 cases of plasma cell mastitis who received Xiaojin Pill with natural musk treatment. Patients were successfully treated after accepting Xiaojin Pill with natural musk for several weeks.

Clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common disease among women of reproductive age, with a serious impact on their daily life and health. At present, the most common treatment for BV is to take antibiotics, which results in good short-term treatment effects, but poor long-term effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat BV for over a millennium, with little risk of triggering drug resistance and adverse effects. Based on syndrome differentiation, there are three oral TCM treatment strategies for BV, including invigorating spleen, clearing dampness and heat, and nourishing kidney. The oral TCM prescriptions, such as Yi Huang decoction, Longdan Xiegan decoction, Zhibai Dihaung decoction, and so on are commonly used. Topical TCM treatment is also popular in China. According to the research results of pharmacological effects of active TCM ingredients, the most potential mechanisms of TCM for BV treatment are immune-enhancement effects, antibacterial activity, and estrogen-liked effects. Nonetheless, the multi-constituent of herbs may result in possible disadvantages to BV treatment, and the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM need further study. Here, we provide an overview of TCM compounds and their preparations used for BV, based on the pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic mechanisms, therefore providing a reference for further studies.