Can traditional Chinese medicine like rhodiola or forsythia help treat COVID-19?
Can traditional Chinese medicine like rhodiola or forsythia help treat COVID-19?
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While there are historical uses for these herbal treatments, peer-reviewed studies to support the use of rhodiola, forsythia, or other tradtional Chinese medicines (TCM) for COVID-19 are limited. However, the limited evidence that does exist suggests that TCM used as a supplement with other treatments, such as antiviral medications and antibiotics is promising. One systematic review found that TCM could potentially help eliminate pathogens in the early stage of the virus; control inflammation and strengthens body resistance to the virus in the intermediary stage; and relieve depletion during the late stage of COVID‐19. However, more research is needed to confirm these results. Rhodiola is often used for stress, but has not been proven effective in treating COVID-19. Following the announcement from a Chinese official regarding approval of three herbal supplements for treatment, there was widespread concern regarding the lack of rigorous studies to support their use. More empirical research is needed to understand the role of TCM as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19. While there have now been a number of approvals of treatments for emergency use for COVID-19 approved in the U.S. and elsewhere, it is crucial to note that no COVID-19 treatment has been formally recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and more research is needed on larger samples and long-term to understand the impacts of TCM and other potential COVID-19 treatments.
While there are historical uses for these herbal treatments, peer-reviewed studies to support the use of rhodiola, forsythia, or other tradtional Chinese medicines (TCM) for COVID-19 are limited. However, the limited evidence that does exist suggests that TCM used as a supplement with other treatments, such as antiviral medications and antibiotics is promising. One systematic review found that TCM could potentially help eliminate pathogens in the early stage of the virus; control inflammation and strengthens body resistance to the virus in the intermediary stage; and relieve depletion during the late stage of COVID‐19. However, more research is needed to confirm these results. Rhodiola is often used for stress, but has not been proven effective in treating COVID-19. Following the announcement from a Chinese official regarding approval of three herbal supplements for treatment, there was widespread concern regarding the lack of rigorous studies to support their use. More empirical research is needed to understand the role of TCM as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19. While there have now been a number of approvals of treatments for emergency use for COVID-19 approved in the U.S. and elsewhere, it is crucial to note that no COVID-19 treatment has been formally recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and more research is needed on larger samples and long-term to understand the impacts of TCM and other potential COVID-19 treatments.
Publication
What our experts say
While there are historical uses for these herbal treatments, peer-reviewed studies to support the use of rhodiola, forsythia, or other tradtional Chinese medicines (TCM) for COVID-19 are limited. However, the limited evidence that does exist suggests that TCM used as a supplement with other treatments, such as antiviral medications and antibiotics is promising. One systematic review found that TCM could potentially help eliminate pathogens in the early stage of the virus; control inflammation and strengthens body resistance to the virus in the intermediary stage; and relieve depletion during the late stage of COVID‐19. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Rhodiola is often used for stress, but has not been proven effective in treating COVID-19. Following the announcement from a Chinese official regarding approval of three herbal supplements for treatment, there was widespread concern regarding the lack of rigorous studies to support their use. More empirical research is needed to understand the role of TCM as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19. While there have now been a number of approvals of treatments for emergency use for COVID-19 approved in the U.S. and elsewhere, it is crucial to note that no COVID-19 treatment has been formally recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and more research is needed on larger samples and long-term to understand the impacts of TCM and other potential COVID-19 treatments.
While there are historical uses for these herbal treatments, peer-reviewed studies to support the use of rhodiola, forsythia, or other tradtional Chinese medicines (TCM) for COVID-19 are limited. However, the limited evidence that does exist suggests that TCM used as a supplement with other treatments, such as antiviral medications and antibiotics is promising. One systematic review found that TCM could potentially help eliminate pathogens in the early stage of the virus; control inflammation and strengthens body resistance to the virus in the intermediary stage; and relieve depletion during the late stage of COVID‐19. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Rhodiola is often used for stress, but has not been proven effective in treating COVID-19. Following the announcement from a Chinese official regarding approval of three herbal supplements for treatment, there was widespread concern regarding the lack of rigorous studies to support their use. More empirical research is needed to understand the role of TCM as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19. While there have now been a number of approvals of treatments for emergency use for COVID-19 approved in the U.S. and elsewhere, it is crucial to note that no COVID-19 treatment has been formally recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and more research is needed on larger samples and long-term to understand the impacts of TCM and other potential COVID-19 treatments.
Context and background
Rhodiola and forsythia are plants used in traditional Chinese medicine which have not been scientifically or clinically proven to prevent or treat COVID-19. While the use of traditional Chinese medicine is widespread in China and has been promoted by some government entities like the China National Health Commission, the World Health Organization warns that inappropriate use of traditional medicine can have negative health impacts and that more research is needed to determine the efficacy as well as safety of many traditional medicine practices. Traditional Chinese medicine is a branch of traditional medicine based on historical Chinese health practices passed through generations, including herbal medicines, acupuncture, and other techniques. Traditional medicine is used around the world but is considered a form of alternative medicine, different from formalized and science-based conventional medical care. Beyond safety and efficacy concerns for traditional medicine, there are also concerns about the use of certain species in traditional medicine that could lead to loss of biodiversity.
Rhodiola and forsythia are plants used in traditional Chinese medicine which have not been scientifically or clinically proven to prevent or treat COVID-19. While the use of traditional Chinese medicine is widespread in China and has been promoted by some government entities like the China National Health Commission, the World Health Organization warns that inappropriate use of traditional medicine can have negative health impacts and that more research is needed to determine the efficacy as well as safety of many traditional medicine practices. Traditional Chinese medicine is a branch of traditional medicine based on historical Chinese health practices passed through generations, including herbal medicines, acupuncture, and other techniques. Traditional medicine is used around the world but is considered a form of alternative medicine, different from formalized and science-based conventional medical care. Beyond safety and efficacy concerns for traditional medicine, there are also concerns about the use of certain species in traditional medicine that could lead to loss of biodiversity.
Resources
- Use of herbal drugs to treat COVID-19 should be with caution (Lancet)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine as a complementary therapy in combat with COVID‐19—A review of evidence‐based research and clinical practice (Journal of Advanced Nursing)
- Rhodiola (NIH)
- Use of herbal drugs to treat COVID-19 should be with caution (Lancet)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine as a complementary therapy in combat with COVID‐19—A review of evidence‐based research and clinical practice (Journal of Advanced Nursing)
- Rhodiola (NIH)
