Huashi Baidu for COVID-19

Big data was utilized to analyze the network of biological systems and multi-target drug signal nodes, and despite traditional Chinese medicine proving effective against COVID-19 since the 2019 outbreak, the complexity and challenging actions of network pharmacology are essential for in-depth analysis. Objective: To present an overview of the literature on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology. Methods: A succinct explanation of the data sources: Twenty items in all were found after browsing the English and Chinese data websites. Following screening, data synthesis techniques and the remaining eight publications were located. Results: This study contained eight publications, including network pharmacology investigations on the mechanisms of action of eight prescription TCM medications. Many prescription drugs and specialty treatments from traditional Chinese medicine, including astragalus membranaceus-atractylodes rhizoma, LHQW, TJQWG, ephedra and glycyrrhiza, Yinqiao powder, rhizoma polygonati, MXSGD, and HSBDF, have been utilized in the clinical treatment of COVID-19. Their primary modes of action entail several components working on many targets and pathways related to immune modulation, organ protection, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: This study reviewed eight Chinese herbal formulas used for treating COVID-19 and found they all contain quercetin, a compound that may reduce lung damage, and target at least one of TNF, IL-2, or IL-6, potentially decreasing inflammation and boosting immunity. All these traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments were effective against COVID-19, offering valuable insights and inspiration for future drug research.

Cytokine storm (CS) is the main driver of SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The pathological mechanisms of CS are quite complex and involve multiple critical molecular targets that turn self-limited and mild COVID-19 into a severe and life-threatening concern. At present, vaccines are strongly recommended as safe and effective treatments for preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19. However, effective treatment options are still lacking for people who are at the most risk or hospitalized with severe disease. Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to improve the clinical outcomes of mild to severe COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy, particular preventing the development of mild to severe ARDS. This review illustrates in detail the pathogenesis of CS-involved ARDS and its associated key molecular targets, cytokines and signalling pathways. The therapeutic targets were identified particularly in relation to the turning points of the development of COVID-19, from mild symptoms to severe ARDS. Preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed for the effects of Chinese herbal medicines together with conventional therapies in reducing ARDS symptoms and addressing critical therapeutic targets associated with CS. Multiple herbal formulations, herbal extracts and single bioactive phytochemicals with or without conventional therapies demonstrated strong anti-CS effects through multiple mechanisms. However, evidence from larger, well-designed clinical trials is lacking and their detailed mechanisms of action are yet to be well elucidated. More research is warranted to further evaluate the therapeutic value of Chinese herbal medicine for CS in COVID-19-induced ARDS.