Deciphering suppressive effects of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule on COVID-19 and synergistic effects of its major botanical drug pairs

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in excess deaths worldwide. Conventional antiviral medicines have been used to relieve the symptoms, with limited therapeutic effect. In contrast, Lianhua Qingwen Capsule is reported to exert remarkable anti-COV-ID-19 effect. The current review aims to: 1) uncover the main pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19; 2) verify the bioactive ingredients and pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule by network analysis; 3) in-vestigate the compatibility effect of major botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule; and 4) clarify the clinical evidence and safety of the combined therapy of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs. Numerous bioactive ingredients in Lianhu Qing-wen, such as quercetin, naringenin, & beta;-sitosterol, luteolin, and stigmasterol, were identified to target host cytokines, and to regulate the immune defence in response to COVID-19. Genes including androgen receptor (AR), myeloperoxidase (MPO), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin (INS), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) were found to be significantly involved in the pharmaco-logical actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule against COVID-19. Four botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule were shown to have synergistic effect for the treatment of COVID-19. Clinical studies demonstrated the medicinal effect of the combined use of Lian-hua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs against COVID-19. In conclusion, the four main pharmacological mechanisms of Lian-hua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19 are revealed. Therapeutic effect has been noted against COVID-19 in Lianhua Qing-wen Capsule.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to excessive deaths globally. Conventional antiviral drugs have limited effectiveness in relieving symptoms, but Lianhua Qingwen Capsule has shown remarkable anti-COVID-19 effects. This review aims to uncover the pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule, verify its bioactive ingredients, investigate the compatibility of botanical drug pairs, and clarify the clinical evidence and safety of combined therapy with conventional drugs. Several bioactive ingredients in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule were found to target host cytokines and regulate immune defense against COVID-19. Genes such as androgen receptor, myeloperoxidase, epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor were significantly involved in its pharmacological actions. Four botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule exhibited a synergistic effect in treating COVID-19. Clinical studies demonstrated the medicinal effect of combining Lianhua Qingwen Capsule with conventional drugs against COVID-19. In conclusion, the main pharmacological mechanisms of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19 have been revealed, showing therapeutic effects against the disease.