Jinhua Qinggan granule, a Chinese herbal medicine against COVID‑19, induces rapid changes in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and plasma levels of IL‑6 and IFN‑γ: An open‑label, single‑arm pilot study

Effect of synbiotics on inflammatory markers and white blood cell count in COVID-19 patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…Previous studies showed CRP and ESR reduction after synbiotics supplementation in inflammatory conditions (Askari and Moravejolahkami, 2019; Askari et al , 2021). IL-6 is also a key factor for describing immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation, and it has been associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality (Kageyama et al , 2022a; Mirashrafi et al , 2021b). In an in vitro cytokine response assay conducted by Kageyama et al , oral intake of L. plantarum significantly decreased the plasma level of IL-6 ( p = 0.012) in COVID-19 patients (Kageyama et al , 2022b).…”

Initial observations of Jinhua Qinggan Granules, a Chinese medicine, in the mitigation of hospitalization and mortality in high-risk elderly with COVID-19 infection: A retrospective study in an old age home in Hong Kong

“…These compounds possess anti-viral, antiinflammatory, and immune regulatory effects (20), and have been shown in molecular docking analysis to bind to angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor on host cells (21), which may hence prevent viral entry and inhibit the viral activity of SARS-CoV-2 within hosts and mitigate disease progression (22). Recent network pharmacological analyses have further identified additional active pharmacological compounds in JHQG, including rutin, luteolin, wogonin, myricetin, quercetin, ursolic acid, chrysoeriol, and glabridin (23)(24)(25). These compounds are involved in complex webs of signaling and metabolic cascades associated with immune regulation, anti-inflammation, and protection from oxidative stress and tissue injury (23)(24)(25).…”

“…Recent network pharmacological analyses have further identified additional active pharmacological compounds in JHQG, including rutin, luteolin, wogonin, myricetin, quercetin, ursolic acid, chrysoeriol, and glabridin (23)(24)(25). These compounds are involved in complex webs of signaling and metabolic cascades associated with immune regulation, anti-inflammation, and protection from oxidative stress and tissue injury (23)(24)(25). Furthermore, immunopharmacological investigations have revealed that JHQG rapidly induced a significant decrease in plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and a significant increase in plasma interferon gamma (IFN-γ ) (25).…”

“…These compounds are involved in complex webs of signaling and metabolic cascades associated with immune regulation, anti-inflammation, and protection from oxidative stress and tissue injury ( 23 – 25 ). Furthermore, immunopharmacological investigations have revealed that JHQG rapidly induced a significant decrease in plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and a significant increase in plasma interferon gamma (IFN-γ) ( 25 ). It is known that COVID-19 could induce an aberrant surge in plasma IL-6 levels, culminating in the “cytokine storm” and systemic hyperinflammation ( 26 ).…”

Recent advances in Chinese patent medicines entering the international market

“…However, the potential mechanism of Jinhua Qinggan granules in treating COVID-19 remains unclear. Kageyama et al found that the clinical benefits of the use of Jinhua Qinggan granules to treat COVID-19 might be associated with their rapid immunomodulatory effects on IL-6, IFN-γ, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (31). Their findings indicated that Jinhua Qinggan granules might be suitable not only for suppressing disease onset in suspected and asymptomatic cases but also at preventing disease progression in patients with a mild to severe infection.…”