Traditional Chinese Medicine as a complementary therapy in combat with COVID-19-A review of evidence-based research and clinical practice

Aim To examine the literature on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used in the treatment, prevention and supportive care in patients with COVID-19. Design A narrative review was performed. Data Sources A systematic and comprehensive search was conducted on both Chinese and English electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, PsycINFO. Articles published from 1 December 2019 -1 April 2020 were included in this review. Review Methods Studies reporting on the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 using TCM regardless of study designs were included. In addition, grey literatures, including media reports on Chinese government websites or official media websites and treatment guidelines were searched for TCM treatment and prevention on COVID-19. Results Limited research has been published on the use of TCM for COVID-19. We qualitatively described and synthesized the published research and current clinical practice on the use of TCM for COVID-19, and focused on the following areas: TCM treatment used in SARS, MERS, H1N1; TCM treatment plan for COVID-19; TCM in Prevention and Treatment at Early Stage of COVID-19; TCM emotional therapy; and personalized TCM treatment plan. Conclusion The combination of western medicine and TCM in treatment, and treatment based on the local condition, isolation, personal protective measures are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Relevant laboratory research and clinical evaluation should be continued to collect scientific evidences on the efficacy of TCM. Impact TCM has been used in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 in China, and the clinical evidences indicated that TCM regulates immunity and exerts anti-viral effect simultaneously. This review provides practical recommendation for the policymakers in the selection process of the treatment and preventive measures for the global pandemic of COVID-19.

Automated summary

There is limited research on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for COVID-19, but combining western medicine and TCM, along with treatment based on local conditions, isolation, and personal protective measures is crucial for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Further laboratory research and clinical evaluation are needed to gather scientific evidence on the effectiveness of TCM.