Efficacy and mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicines for treating asthma and allergy

Abstract

Background: Although corticosteroids and beta(2)-agonists are effective in managing asthma symptoms, a curative therapy for asthma is lacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), used in Asia for centuries, is beginning to play a role in Western health care as a complementary and alternative medicine modality. There is increasing scientific evidence supporting the use of TCM for asthma treatment.

Objective: This review article discusses promising TCM interventions for asthma and explores their possible mechanisms of action.

Methods: We first reviewed 5 clinical studies of antiasthma TCM herbal remedies published between 2005 and 2007. We then summarized possible mechanisms underlying their effects on the basis of data in the original articles, published abstracts, and available databases. Possible mechanisms include anti-inflammation, inhibition of airway smooth muscle contraction, and immunomodulation. Research on TCM herbal therapy for food allergy is rare, and we therefore focused on the effect and mechanism of action of food allergy herbal formula-2 on a murine model of peanut allergy and preliminary clinical study results.

Conclusion: Evidence from clinical studies supports beneficial effects of TCM herbal therapy on asthma. A number of mechanisms may be responsible for efficacy of these agents. Strong preclinical study data suggest the potential efficacy of food allergy herbal formula-2 for food allergy.

Fig 1. Effect of 4 weeks of treatment with ASHMI or Prednisone on serum cytokine levels

All blood samples were drawn between before treatment and 48 hours after treatment. Serum IL-5 (a) and IFN-γ (b) were determined by ELISA. This table is a modification of the table in Li, J Allergy. Clin Immunol(1) with permission.

Fig 2. Effect of 4 weeks treatment with ASHMI or Prednisone on serum cortisol levels

All blood samples were drawn between 7:30–8:30 A.M. before treatment and 48 hours after treatment. Serum cortisol levels were determined by RIA. Data are Means±SD. *** indicates p<0.001 (Normal level of morning serum cortisol levels are 8–23 μg/dL). This table is a modification of the table in Li, J Allergy. Clin Immunol(1) with permission.