Top Chinese medical experts have noted the importance of integrated treatment in fighting COVID-19. Doctors say using Traditional Chinese Medicine and western therapies might be key to saving more patients. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan has more.
Chinese doctors' latest studies show Traditional Chinese Medicine and western therapies may be a powerful combo in the battle against COVID-19.
DR. ZHANG BOLI Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering "The groups applying integrated therapy have shown significant results in clinical symptom alleviation, shorter courses of disease, increased recovery rates, and lower incidents of critical condition."
One of the programs studied 52 coronavirus patients in two separate control groups. One used western medicine only, while the other used both. Where TCM was applied, only two patients with mild symptoms had worsened, while in the other group, six did.
DR. QIU HAIBO Vice President, Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University "We may nave some effective drugs, but there isn't any special Western medicine available at this moment. We noticed that TCM can ease symptoms such as fever, fatigue and sore muscles. When these conditions improve, it is more likely to reduce the chance of worsening."
However, when treating severe and critical patients, western therapies are still the go-to option.
DR. LIU QINGQUAN President, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital "Integrated treatment is a complement of TCM and Western medicine's advantages. Together they can be overwhelming in curing the illness with targeted treatments and TCM's overall conditioning."
So far there are at least three patented Chinese medicines proven to be effective against the virus. Two drugs, namely Jin Hua Qing Gan and Lian Hua Qing Wen, have been introduced to some of the worst-hit areas overseas, including Italy and Iraq.
Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, WUHAN.?
