Clinical Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Qingre Heji in the Treatment of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Plain-language summary

Originating from China, TCM complements conventional approaches by alleviating symptoms, balancing physical conditions, and enhancing immunity. Clinical studies have shown TCM to be safe and effective in treating AURI. In TCM syndrome differentiation, AURI is considered a "Wind-Heat Syndrome", requiring treatment that clears heat and detoxifies the body. Qing Re He Ji (QRHJ; heat-clearing mixture), a TCM compound developed by our hospital, comprises Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis), Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae), Yin Chen (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), and Guan Zhong (Cyrtomium Rhizome). Widely used for AURI, QRHJ effectively clears heat, eliminates pathogens, and strengthens healthy qi. Clinical applications have demonstrated its efficacy, complemented by significant advancements in animal experiments and pharmacokinetics research. To further validate these results, systematic clinical research is imperative, especially in the context of limited direct comparisons between QRHJ and other commercially available TCMs like Shuang Huang Lian (SHL) oral liquid, known for its efficacy and safety in AURI treatment. Therefore, we performed a rigorously designed non-inferiority randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of QRHJ in treating AURI in adults, comparing it directly with SHL oral liquid. This study aimed to bridge existing research gaps and provide healthcare professionals with more diversified treatment options, thereby enhancing personalised and comprehensive patient care plans. Furthermore, we hope that our findings will establish a scientific basis for integrating TCM into modern healthcare practices, promoting the synergy of Chinese and Western medicine.

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