Experimental Research Progress in Prevention of Flu Virus With Chinese Herbs
Translated by Tom Verhaeghe, M Sc, Lic Acup
Lu Fang-guo and Xu Ai-liang published this literature review article in the June 2005 edition
of the Guiding Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Yi Yao Dao Bao), Vol. 11, No.
6, pp. 77-79.
The authors state that because of its changing nature, prevention and treatment for flu virus is
not easy. Only a small number of western drugs are known to have a certain effect, and they
do not come without side-effects. Recently however, both in China and abroad, researchers
have been looking for non-toxic and effective medications. They have identified a large
number of effective Chinese herbs and their prescriptions. Altogether the authors included 20
experimental research articles in their literature search for Chinese herbs, formulas, patents
and their effective components that are able to resist flu virus.
The authors find that Chinese herbs offer great potential in the prevention and treatment of flu.
Individual herbs and their components are discussed first, followed by prescription formulas
and patented formulas.
Individual herbs and their components.
Yu Xing Cao (Herba Houttuyniae) has well-documented and extensive antibacterial and
antiviral effects. From experimental tests we now know that it is effective in influenza type A
and B viruses. It destroys the cell membrane of the virus, killing and wounding the virus. It’s
also known to increase neutrocyte and monocyte count and their antiviral functions.
Ban Lan Gen (Rx. Isatidis seu Baphicacanthi) is used frequently in influenza prevention. It
can check influenza type A virus, influence agglutination with the virus and also has direct
effects on influenza type A virus. One researcher used acetone to distil agglutinin found in
Ban Lan Gen and measured its agglutination capacities to check the influenza type A virus.
45.3 mg agglutinin/ ml in vitro was enough to constrain the virus. Conclusion: Ban Lan Gen
has a direct effect on the influenza virus and may be used both for prevention and treatment.
One of the components of Huang Qi (Rx. Astragali) is called A6 (a kind of flavone). In an in
vitro concentration of 12.5-100 mg/ml it had a strong antiviral effect. In animal experiments,
a Huang Qi decoction of 1250-5000 mg/kg body weight (rats infected with influenza virus
100LD50) given over a period of 5 days could lower mortality rate and pulmonal morbidity,
and prolong life. An amylose astragali 100g/l concentrated liquid administered by nose
dropper was remarkably effective for treating viral-induced pneumonia. Amylose astragali
200g/l concentrated liquid could prolong the life of rats infected with the influenza virus.
Amylose astragali can also markedly increase splenocyte Interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4 and IL-6
secretions, and post-cure splenocyte IL-2, IL-3, IL-6 and IFN-gamma secretions (p<0.05)
Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleuri) had remarkable antiviral effects in chicken embryos. Animal
experiments showed that artificially induced high pulmonary index was markedly lowered by
Chai Hu: It was able to arrest lung tissue exudative lesions, lower the mortality rate of virusinfected rats, and rival the macrophagic actions of dexamethasone. Bei Chai Hu (Bupleurum
Chinense DC) stem and leaf are rich in flavones (named TFB). A concentration of 0.09g
TFB/kg had a remarkable protective effect against type B influenza virus (p<0.05).
Concentrations of both 0.03g/kg and 0.09g/kg could remarkably lower pulmonary index
scores in rats infected with type B influenza virus (p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively.) Stems
and leafs of Bei Chai Hu have the highest concentrations of TBF. Quercetin, Isorhamnetin,
Rutin and Narcissin are the more effective TBF’s found in Bei Chai Hu.
(Shi) Xiang Ru (Herba Elsholtziae)’s volatile oils (MCMVO) can protect against infection and
also have antiviral effects in the body. In one experiment, an MCMVO component named as
“C” could effectively combat influenza virus type A3. The MCMVO-C component also had
the highest antiviral capacities amongst the MCMVO’s.
Huang Qin (Rx. Scutellariae) contains flavones with antiviral effects in animal experiments.
Xiang Gu (Lentinus Edodes-Shiitake) contains amylose which can combat influenza virus in
the lungs when administered through the nose; it can prolong life when injected in the veins;
and it can release macrophages in the lung alveoli liquids when measured by exhaled nitric
oxide (NO) concentration.
Gan Sui (Rx. Euphorbiae Kansui) distilled liquor contains 8 components with remarkable
antiviral effects as proven in animal experiments. Its lymphopoietic effects were 2 to 3 times
greater than those of a control group.
Chuan Xin Lian (Herba Andrographis Paniculatae) distillation contains an unidentified
component named chuan su ning able to resist influenza virus in MDCK cell cultures.
Compound formulas and their components.
Yin Qiao San (Lonicera and Forsythia Powder) was tested in three ways: ingredients cooked
together, cooked separately and as granules. The three preparations differed in their antiviral
effects. One researcher used chromatograms to identify 6 flavones present in Yin Qiao San.
Both flavones and lignans are important antiviral agents. Yin Qiao San is high in flavones
(35.0%) and in lignans (21.1%).
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsym and Licorice Decoction) both in
water decoct and in tincture can lower fever in rabbits; and lower mortality. A 200mg/ml
concentration had strong type A antiviral effects in chicken embryos. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
can increase IFN-gamma secretions, adjust T cells percentage and thus increasing immune
responsiveness in rabbits.
Sheng Jiang San (Upbearing and Downbearing Powder) was decocted in water (1g of raw
herbs/ml water) and diluted 1:2. It had a remarkable virus-constraining effect in chicken
embryos; it increased macrophagic actions, and gave a boost to nonspecific immunity. Sheng
Jiang San could also lower pulmonary index scores in rats and constrain proliferation of
influenza virus.
Patent medicines and their components.
Kang Bing Du Kou Fu Ye (Antiviral Oral Liquid) can constrain proliferation of influenza
virus, can decrease pathological changes in the lungs caused by flu virus, and lower
pulmonary index. It can also lower mortality related to flu virus, prolong average life span,
proportional to herbal dosage.
Qing Fei Yin (Lung-Clearing Beverage) can improve immune cell functions, constrain flu
virus or lower its effects. It can also abate pneumonia caused by flu virus, and generally
protect rats against influenza virus.
Zheng Chai Hu Yin (Right Bupleurum Drink) was tested in several dosages (6g/kg/day,
12g/kg/day and 24g/kg/day) and could remarkably constrain the influenza type A FM1 virus
in rats.
Yu Ping Feng Kou Fu Ye (Jade Wind Screen Oral Liquid) showed good antiviral capabilities
with chicken embryos.
Shuang Hua Pen Wu ( Lonicera Spray) can remarkably counter inflammation, has
antibacterial functions, resolves heat, and has antiviral etc. actions.
Ban Lan Gen Zhi Ji (Isatis Root Preparation) has antiviral, antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties. It can also boost the immune system, and is a good preventive
medicine for flu virus. It prevents proliferation of the virus and can boost interferon formation.
Qing Kai Ling Zhu She Ye (Clear and Open Miracle Injection) has remarkable antiviral effects.
Its main active components are flavones.
Conclusion.
The authors find that Chinese herbs have a rich history in treating flu and its symptoms. Many
individual herbs and formulas exist, and modern research has well documented their antiviral
properties. They express their hope that more research will be done to explain their curative
mechanisms, active components. They hope that new preparation methods will be used to
develop antiviral herbal drugs and further improve the global image of Chinese herbs in the
treatment of influenza virus.