Efficacy and safety of modified Mai‐Men‐Dong‐Tang for treatment of allergic asthma

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal formula modified Mai-Men-Dong-Tang (mMMDT) for treatment of persistent, mild-to-moderate asthma. A total of 100 asthmatic patients were enrolled and assigned to three treatment groups in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Over a period of 4 months, patients in groups A and B received 80 and 40 mg/kg/day of mMMDT, while those in group C received a placebo. Efficacy variables included changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), symptom score, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and dust mite-specific IgE. Safety assessments included complete blood count, and liver and kidney function. Relative to baseline, significantly greater increases in FEV1 were demonstrated for both A and B groups in comparison with the placebo-treated analog (both p <0.05). Further, similar improvements in symptom score were observed for both mMMDT treatment groups. The serum total IgE for group A showed a decreasing tendency after treatment but no statistical difference was noted. Furthermore, no drug-related adverse effects were reported. Blood test, and liver and kidney function were within normal range during the study, with no marked changes demonstrated over time. In conclusion, the Chinese herbal formula mMMDT provided improvements in lung function and relieved asthma symptoms in our sample of patients. Given its efficacy and safety, we consider mMMDT a credible treatment regimen for persistent, mild-to-moderate asthma.

Traditional Chinese herbal remedies for asthma and food allergy

“…In 2005, Hsu et al [18] reported results of a clinical investigation of a complementary TCM therapy for asthma. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal formula, modified Mai Men Dong Tang (mMMDT) for treatment of persistent, mild-to-moderate asthma.…”

Safety, Clinical and Immunologic Efficacy of a Chinese Herbal Medicine (FAHF-2) for Food Allergy

“…There were no significant changes in sIgE, sIgG 4 , sIgE/sIgG 4 ratio, and IL-10 and IFN-γ levels between treatment groups (Table 4). A significant increase in IL-5 was observed in the active group, but no change was seen in the placebo group.…”

“…[17] Comparison of categorical data was performed with Fisher's exact test with a 2-tailed p value, while comparison of continuous data was performed with a t-test. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) models were used to assess whether the change from baseline to post-therapy in various outcome variables (sIgE, sIgG 4 , IL-5, IL-10, IFN-γ, basophil activation, SPTs) differed between treatment groups. [18] The change in the outcome was the dependent variable and the following were independent variables: treatment group, baseline value, treatment-by-baseline interaction, adherence to treatment, and clinical center.…”

“…Recently, TCM has been attracting interest in Western countries as a source of alternative or complementary therapy for a variety of diseases, including allergies and asthma. [4][5][6][7][8] FAHF-2 is the first botanical investigational new drug (IND) approved for clinical studies for food allergy by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FAHF-2 is a 9-herb formula based on the classical Chinese herbal formula Wu Mei Wan.…”

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

“…Hsu et al (18) tested modified Mai Men Dong Tang (mMMDT, 5 herbs) for treatment of persistent, mild-to-moderate asthma in children. (Table I).…”