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Lonicera Complex  

 

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Viral infections (early stages): common cold, influenza, measles, oral herpes, cold sores, and fever blisters

* Bacterial infections (early stages): bronchitis, pneumonia

* Throat infections: soreness, swelling, and inflammation of the throat

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antiviral properties to treat viral infections

* Antibacterial properties to treat bacterial infections

* Antipyretic effect to lower body temperature

* Expectorant effect to eliminate sputum and phlegm

* Antitussive effect to suppress cough

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears wind-heat

* Eliminates fire and heat toxins from the upper jiao

* Benefits the throat

 

DOSAGE

For treatment of viral or bacterial infections, take 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. Begin herbal treatment with the first sign of viral or bacterial infection and continue for one to two weeks or until symptoms resolve. To shorten the duration of infection, take 6 capsules four times daily until symptoms resolve.

 

INGREDIENTS


Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis)

Bo He (Herba Menthae)

Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis)

Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Praeparatum)

Dan Zhu Ye (Herba Lophatheri)

Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)

Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis)

Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae)

Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae)

Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae)

Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmitis)

Lysine

Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii)

Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci)

Ye Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici)

Zi Hua Di Ding (Herba Violae)

Zi Zhui Ju (Herba Echinaceae)

 


 

BACKGROUND

A healthy person has numerous defense mechanisms that protects against invasion of micro-organisms. These host defense mechanisms include natural barriers (i.e., skin), non-specific immunity (i.e., phagocytic cells) and specific immunity (i.e., antibodies). However, if the host defenses are defective or becomes disrupted, the micro-organisms may enter and affect various parts of the body. Therefore, optimal treatment of infective disorders requires use of treatment agents to kill the micro-organisms and preventative agents that restore the host defense mechanisms.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Lonicera Complex is an herbal formula designed to treat the early stages infections characterized by wind-heat, such as common cold, influenza, oral herpes, pneumonia, bronchitis, chickenpox, measles, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis.

        Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae) and Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae) are the principle herbs in this formula. They have a broad spectrum of antibacterial and antiviral functions. Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae), Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Praeparatum) and Bo He (Herba Menthae) relieve exterior pathogenic wind. Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii) and Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) clear heat and treat acute tonsillitis. Dan Zhu Ye (Herba Lophatheri) and Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmitis) clear heat, generate body fluids and relieve thirst. Ye Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici), Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis), Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci), Zi Hua Di Ding (Herba Violae), and echinacea are antibacterial and antiviral herbs which clear toxic heat and treat infections. Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) dispels phlegm. Lysine reduces the duration of oral herpes outbreaks. Lastly, Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) harmonizes the formula.

        In summary, Lonicera Complex clears wind-heat, and is a great herbal formula to treat the early stages infections.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* Lonicera Complex is designed for patients with wind-heat attacks. Should the patient experience wind-cold symptoms such as clear nasal discharge, headache, or chills, use Respitrol (Cold) instead.

* Patients with encephalitis or meningitis should be sent to the emergency room for immediate medical treatment. Warning signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, sore throat, vomiting, and mental confusion. In addition to soreness, the stiffness is also characterized by severe pain with gentle taps to the neck, and extreme stiffness and immobility when the patient tries to lower the chin to the chest.

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* To enhance immunity in patients who are susceptible to catching colds, take Immune + at a low dose (1 to 2 capsules a day) on an empty stomach with warm water prior to the flu season.

* Lonicera Complex is derived from classic formula Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder). However, the classic formula has two major limitations. First, it is more specific for viral infections. Second, because of its long-term use, many pathogens have developed resistance to the formula. Therefore, Lonicera Complex is formulated with additional herbs to treat both viral and bacterial infections, and to boost the overall antibiotic effect of the formula. For patients with infections that do not respond to the classic formulas, Lonicera Complex will often provide good clinical results.

* Lonicera Complex incorporates numerous antibiotic herbs for two important reasons. First, the use of multiple herbs within an herbal formula has been shown to increase the antibiotic effect more than tenfold. Second, isolated use of single ingredients is often ineffective and increases the risk of development of bacterial and viral resistance.[1] Given these two reasons, it is necessary to combine herbs with appropriate properties to ensure effectiveness in treating the infection and minimizing the potential risk of the micro-organisms developing resistance and/or mutation.

 

Pulse Diagnosis by Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang:

* Common cold: superficial and forceful pulse on the right cun.

* Influenza: deep and weak on the right cun.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* To enhance the overall antiviral function, add Herbal AVR.

* To enhance the overall antibacterial function, add Herbal ABX.

* To treat infection of ear, nose and throat, add Herbal ENT.

* To treat cough, add Respitrol (CF).

* For respiratory infection with sore throat, fever, dyspnea, chest discomfort, use Respitrol (Heat).

* To treat cold type respiratory disorders with chills, clear nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, use Respitrol (Cold).

* For respiratory infection in patients with deficiency, add Respitrol (Deficient).

* For upper respiratory infection with profuse, yellow, thick sputum, combine with Pinellia XPT.

* For sinusitis or rhinitis with yellow nasal discharge, use Pueraria Clear Sinus.

* For sinusitis or rhinitis with clear nasal discharge, use Magnolia Clear Sinus.

* For tonsillitis with swelling, add Resolve (AI).

* For stomach flu with diarrhea, add GI Care II.

* For headache, add Corydalin (AC) or Corydalin (CR).

* For high fever, add Gardenia Complex.

* For chickenpox with severe itching, add Silerex.

* For shingles, add Dermatrol (HZ).

* Immune + can be used on a regular basis to strengthen the immune system and prevent bacterial or viral infections. However, Immune + should only be used after symptoms of cold and flu have completely subsided.

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Quchi (LI 11), Fengchi (GB 20), Chize (LU 5), Hegu (LI 4), Dazhui (GV 14)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Throat infection: Houjian (T 44.29)*, Linggu (T 22.05), Chongzi (T 22.01), Chongxian (T 22.02), Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongwei (T 88.10), Tongbei (T 88.11). Bleed Shaoshang (LU 11) and also dark veins nearby Yinlingquan (SP 9) to Xuehai (SP 10), Quling (T 33.16), Cesanli (T 77.22), Cexiasanli (T 77.23) and the throat. Bleed before needling for best result.

* Tonsillitis: Sanjian (LI 3), Mu (T 11.17), Qihu (T 77.26), Waisanguan (T 77.27), Xinling (T 33.17)*, Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07), Hegu (LI 4), Linggu (T 22.05), Dabai (T 22.04), Tushui (T 22.11), Shiyin (T 88.32), Cesanli (T 77.22), Zuqianjin (T 77.24). Bleed Shaoshang (LU 11) and also dark veins nearby Yinlingquan (SP 9) to Xuehai (SP 10), Shaoshang (LU 11). Bleed before needling for best result.

* Herpes (oral): Shangchun (T 77.15), Xiachun (T 77.16)

* Influenza or common cold: Fugesan (T 44.30)*, Linggu (T 22.05), Hegu (LI 4), Ganmaoyi (T 88.07), Ganmaoer (T 88.08), Fugesan (T 44.30)*, Huofuhai (T 33.07), Mu (T 11.17)

* Bronchitis: Linggu (T 22.05), Dabai (T 22.04), Fenjin (T 44.01), Renshi (T 33.13), Dishi (T 33.14), Tianshi (T 33.15), Shuijin (T 1010.20), Shuitong (T 1010.19), Simazhong (T 88.17), Feiqiyi (T 44.25)*, Feiqier (T 44.26)*, Zhongjian (T 11.05). Bleed the HT and LU area in the back. Bleed before needling for best result.

* Pneumonia: Linggu (T 22.05), Dabai (T 22.04), Chongzi (T 22.01), Chongxian (T 22.02), Quling (T 33.16), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19), Zhongjian (T 11.05). Bleed dark veins nearby the ST channel on the lower limb. Bleed the HT and LU areas on the upper back with cupping. Bleed before needling for best result.

 

Master Tung¡¦s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Common cold, flu

¡± Cold type: Needle Fenjin (T 44.01), Huofuhai (T 33.07). Bleed Ganmaosan (T DT.12).

¡± Heat type: Needle Dabai (T 22.04), Linggu (T 22.05), Sanchasan (T 22.17)*. Bleed Wuling (T DT.04).

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Chize (LU 5), Taiyuan (LU 9), Zusanli (ST 36), Xiangu (ST 43)

* Right side: Sanjian (LI 3), Quchi (LI 11), Taibai (SP 3), Yinlingquan (SP 9)

* Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

 

Ear Acupuncture:

* Nose, Pharynx, Bronchi, Adrenal Gland. Needle for thirty minutes or embed needles on the points and switch ears every three days. Patient should be advised to press on the points three times daily for one to two minutes each time.

* Acute tonsillitis: Bleed the protruding vein in the back of the ear, and apex of the tragus once a day. Needle and strongly stimulate the Throat, Pharynx and Tonsils.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Common cold: Lung, Internal Nose, Throat (Larynx, Pharynx)

¡± For fever, bleed Ear Apex and Helix 1-6.

¡± For dizziness, add Dizziness Area.

¡± For pain and soreness all over the body, add Liver and Spleen. Bleed Helix 4.

¡± For cough, add Trachea, Bronchus, and Stop Asthma.

* Recurrent ulcerative stomatitis: corresponding points (to the area of pain), Lower Palate, Upper Palate, Tongue, San Jiao, Mouth, Spleen, Allergic Area. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Relieving sore throat: Pharynx, Larynx, Glottis, Mouth, Lung, Endocrine, Trachea. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Tonsillitis: Tonsil, Trachea, Throat, Teeth & Larynx, Mouth. Bleed Ear Apex and Helix 6.

* Acute laryngopharyngitis: Pharynx, Larynx, Mouth, San Jiao, Endocrine, Teeth & Larynx, Trachea. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Chronic laryngopharyngitis: Larynx, Pharynx, Lung, Teeth & Larynx, Trachea, Spleen, San Jiao, Endocrine. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Hoarseness: Glottis, Larynx, Mouth, Trachea, Spleen, Lung, San Jiao, Endocrine.

 

NUTRITION

* For treatment of common cold or influenza, always drink plenty of water, juice, soup, and tea as they can help flush out the body and prevent dehydration. At least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is recommended.

* Vitamin C is well recognized for its effect to prevent and treat common colds and influenza. Foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, are strongly recommended.

* Vitamin A, a vital nutrient for the mucous membranes throughout the respiratory system, should also be consumed in adequate quantity. Foods rich in vitamin A include raw fruits and vegetables, such as carrots.

* To avoid infection, a diet high in garlic and onions is recommended as these two foods contain natural antibiotics.

* Phlegm-producing foods such as sweets, dairy products, and heavy or greasy foods are not recommended.

* Warm and hot natured foods that damage qi and yin should be avoided, such as:

¡± certain fruits like mango and durian that produce heat.

¡± stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.

¡± spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, funnel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.

* Avoid food and drinks with artificial coloring.

* Consume as few meat products as possible. Do not eat processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages, as they contain nitrites that are associated with inflammation and chronic disease.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Common cold (wind-heat)

¡± Recommendations: mint, cabbage, chrysanthemum flowers, burdock root, cilantro, dandelion, apples, and bitter melon. Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.

¡± Drink cabbage broth freely.

¡± Drink cilantro and mint tea.

¡± Drink mint, chrysanthemum, and dandelion tea.

¡± Drink mint, dandelion, and licorice tea.

¡± Avoid shellfish, meats, vinegar, and hot foods.

* Oral herpes or mouth sores

¡± Recommendations: mung beans, daikon, carrots, lotus root, persimmon caps, mint, and honeysuckle flower.

¡± Make juice from carrots and lotus root and rinse the mouth three to four times a day for at least four days.

¡± Take 5 to 6 persimmon caps and boil tea. When cool, rinse mouth four to five times a day.

¡± Apply honey locally to help heal faster.

¡± Boil mung bean soup and eat on an empty stomach.

¡± Grind mung beans into powder, mix with honey; apply to the affected area.

¡± Rub sea salt on the sores three times a day for two days. Also rinse mouth with salt water.

¡± Avoid spicy foods, stimulating foods, smoking, stress, alcohol, coffee, and chocolate.

* Sore throat

¡± Recommendations: carrots, olives, daikon, celery, seaweed, licorice, Chinese prunes, cilantro, and mint. Drink a lot of water and gargle with warm salt water.

¡± Make tea from carrots and olives; drink three times daily for at least one week.

¡± Make tea from daikon radish and green apples; drink twice daily.

¡± Make tea from cilantro, one tablespoonful of green tea, and a little salt. Steep for about five minutes.

¡± Avoid alcohol, smoking, pollution, sleeping with the mouth open, stimulating or spicy foods, and fatty foods.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Adequate rest is essential for recovery. Avoid exposure to wind by putting on more clothing. Covering the head and neck area is especially important. Fluctuation of temperature increases the risk of bacterial and viral infection. Installation of an air purifier is recommended for patients who repeatedly catch infectious respiratory disorders.

* Patients should be advised to stop smoking and drinking.

* It is recommended to take a hot shower or bath after taking the herbs to promote the diaphoretic function. Warm temperature burns up and destroys the viruses. Low body temperature decreases resistance to viruses and bacteria.

* Steam inhalation heals the throat, nasal passages, and bronchial tubes. During the acute phase, inhale the steam vapor for 15 minutes three times daily. During the chronic phase, inhale the steam vapor for 15 minutes before going to bed.

* It is important to build up a strong immune system prior to the cold and flu season. Regular exercise, short cold shower following a hot shower, and ingestion of tonic herbs are all beneficial to strengthen the body and its immune system.

* Individuals with an infection should rest and recover in a separate room to prevent spreading germs to other people. Ventilate the room frequently ¡V but make sure the patient is kept warm.

* Patients with oral herpes should stay away from heat, UV rays, over-exertion, stress, spicy or greasy foods, seafood, or anything that may trigger an attack. Conversely, they are advised to eat plenty of vegetables or fruits that are cold in nature (cucumber, pear, watermelon, tomatoes) and yogurt. Replacement of toothbrush is also recommended as some herpes virus may linger on the bristles.

 

CASE STUDIES

* J.H., a 28-year-old male patient, presented with flu symptoms for the previous two weeks. He had a temperature of 102.4ºF and some breathing difficulty. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as viral pneumonia. In conjunction with acupuncture treatment, Lonicera Complex worked quite effectively after taking four pills every four hours the first day and three pills every four hours the second day. After two days, the patient reported he was sleeping well, the cough was almost completely absent, and his breathing was normal. Submitted by E.S., Muscatine, Iowa.

* K.M., a 37-year-old female, presented with symptoms consisting of fever, sore throat, and yellow mucus that had been occurring for one day. Pulse was rapid and tongue was red. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as wind-heat; her Western diagnosis was common cold. Lonicera Complex was prescribed at four capsules three times a day. After two days of taking the herbs and receiving acupuncture, the patient had healed. Since the patient tends to get frequent colds, she was directed to take Immune + after she had felt better. Submitted by S.L., Yuma, Arizona.

* M.Z., a 15-year-old male, presented with numerous pimples over his face. Objective findings included blemishes and dark discoloration on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. It was mentioned that he had already tried Western topical creams and antibiotics. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as damp-heat. For treatment, Lonicera Complex and Dermatrol (PS) were both prescribed. It was reported after three weeks that his condition had improved. The blemishes and purple patches had vanished. He continued taking Dermatrol (PS) 2 capsules daily for maintenance. Submitted by G.G., East Lansing, Michigan.

* F.L. is a 53-year-old female with a history of oral herpes that often began with tingling sensations of the lips that progressed to burning sensations and eruption of fever blisters lasting two to three weeks. Occasionally, an outbreak was associated with eruption of additional lesions. The patient was given specific instructions to begin taking Lonicera Complex at the initial onset of symptoms, at three capsules, three times daily. During a follow-up visit, the patient reported that Lonicera Complex was extremely effective. It stopped the exacerbation of oral blisters, there was no return of lesions, and no spread of lesions to other areas. The affected area on the lips simply changed to a small painless scab that healed quickly. Submitted by C.L., Chino Hills, California.

* A 33-year-old female presented with localized burning pain on her upper lip. The patient had a history of cold sores due to herpes simplex I. At the time, the practitioner classified the condition as wind-heat invasion. Once any signs of a cold sore outbreak could be sensed, Lonicera Complex was taken immediately. In addition to the herbal formula, a topical application of San Huang Xie Xin Tang (Three-Yellow Decoction to Sedate the Epigastrium) was supplemented. Unlike the previous resolution time of 14 days or longer, the cold sore disappeared within a total of five days, which was a significant improvement in recovery time. On a follow-up visit several months later, the patient noticed warning signs of a cold sore, and began taking Lonicera Complex without delay. After the Lonicera Complex treatment, the cold sore never presented itself. The practitioner concluded that the herbal formula was quite effective for prevention of cold sores. Submitted by S.A., Santa Fe, New Mexico.

* A robustly healthy female presented with flu symptoms. She had a sore throat and yellow mucus. The practitioner diagnosed her condition as wind-heat. In conjunction with acupuncture treatment, the practitioner also had the patient utilize a vaporizer for steaming her face. Lonicera Complex and Pueraria Clear Sinus worked quite effectively after taking them for three to four days at larger dosages. The practitioner also noted that Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxin) could be used if the condition were more severe and had presence of heat and toxins. Submitted by S.C., La Crescenta, California.

* A 53-year-old female presented with a common cold. She had the typical cold symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, fever and a stiff neck. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as an upper respiratory tract infection due to wind-heat attack. Lonicera Complex was instantly administered. The following morning, her symptoms reduced dramatically. Within four days, almost all symptoms had abated. The practitioner stated that Lonicera Complex was quite effective in the treatment of common cold conditions. Submitted by S.K., Beverly Hills, California.

* A 28-year-old female on a one-day course of antibiotic treatment was recovering from strep throat. She had chills, fever and a sore throat. She was diagnosed with wind-heat invasion, which was indicative of her feverish complexion, red throat and rapid pulse. The practitioner recommended Lonicera Complex. Within one day, the patient felt her sore throat and pain reduced. By the end of the fifth day, her symptoms were totally diminished. Submitted by S.A., Santa Fe, New Mexico.

* M.M., a 41-year-old female, presented with sinus infection and frontal pain, sore throat, post-nasal drip and fatigue. The TCM diagnosis was wind-heat invasion. Within one or two days of taking Lonicera Complex (3 capsules of three times daily), the patient reported most symptoms resolved. This patient now uses Lonicera Complex whenever she feels early signs of infection. She reports that this stops the progress of symptoms. Submitted by C.L., Chino Hills, California.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Lonicera Complex is an herbal formula designed to treat the early stages of viral or bacterial infections. It contains herbs with antiviral and antibacterial functions to treat infections. It also utilizes many herbs to treat other associated symptoms and complications.

        Lonicera Complex utilizes many herbs with antiviral effects. Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae) and Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae) have significant antiviral activities against influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus.[2],[3] These two herbs have also been used successfully in herbal formulas to treat common colds or influenza.[4] Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) and Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) also have significant antiviral activities against many viruses, such as swine pseudorabies virus,[5] influenza virus,[6] and encephalitis B virus.[7] Together, Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) and Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) have been used to effectively treat common colds, influenza, acute laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).[8],[9]

        Lonicera Complex also incorporates many herbs with antibacterial effects. Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae) has demonstrated a broad spectrum of inhibitory actions against Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Diplococcus meningitidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid, two compounds from Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae), have the strongest antibiotic effects.[10],[11] Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae) has illustrated a broad spectrum of inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus dysenteriae, £\-hemolytic streptococcus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Neisseria catarrhalis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus proteus, Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leptospira, and some dermatophytes.[12] Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) has demonstrated marked antibacterial effects in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and leptospira.[13] Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, £\-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Bacillus dysenteriae.[14],[15] Other herbs with antibiotic effects include Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae),[16] Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii),[17] Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci),[18] Ye Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici),[19] and Zi Hua Di Ding (Herba Violae).[20] Overall, these herbs have potent and broad-spectrum antibiotic effects and have been used successfully to treat a wide range of infectious diseases.

        In addition to treating the infection, Lonicera Complex uses many herbs to treat the associated conditions and complications. Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae),[21] Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis),[22] Bo He (Herba Menthae),[23] and Dan Zhu Ye (Herba Lophatheri) [24] all have antipyretic effects to lower body temperature and treat fever associated with infection. Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) has expectorant and antitussive effects to eliminate phlegm and suppress cough.[25] Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) demonstrates an antiallergic effect by blocking mast cell degranulation,[26] while Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) illustrates an antiallergic effect by inhibiting the inflammatory cytokines and the Syk-dependent signaling cascades.[27] Finally, Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) can be used symptomatically to treat acute tonsillitis and parotitis,[28],[29] and Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) is effective to relieve sore throat.[30] Lastly, Ye Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici) has immunomodulatory properties on humoral and cellular immunity for long-term management of infectious diseases.[31]

        In summary, Lonicera Complex is an herbal formula with both antibacterial and antiviral actions to treat early stages of bacterial and viral infections. It may be used individually, or with other formulas to treat associated conditions and complications.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The discovery of antibiotic drugs is one of the major breakthroughs in modern medicine. It enables doctors to effectively treat many different types of infections. Unfortunately, decades of abuse and misuse have led to growing problems of bacterial mutation and resistance. One of the key problems is the use of these antibacterial drugs to treat viral infections. These drugs offer nothing but placebo effect, as they are completely useless in treating virus infection. Despite all the advances in Western medicine, there is still no cure for the common cold, and the best treatment is still rest and water.

        Herbs are also extremely effective for treatment of various infections. In fact, many modern pharmaceutical drugs were originally derived from natural sources, including penicillin [the oldest antibiotic] and gentamicin [one of the most potent]. One of the main benefits of using herbs is their wide spectrum of antibiotic effect, with indications for bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Furthermore, most of these herbs are extremely safe, and do not have the same harsh side effects as drugs.

        Those who have a viral infection, such as common cold or influenza, should not be treated with antibiotic drugs since they are ineffective. Other drugs may be used, but only for symptomatic control. On the other hand, use of herbs is very effective, as they suppress replication of the virus, and reduce the duration of the infections. Furthermore, additional herbs may be prescribed to address the symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough. Most importantly, herbs are much gentler to the body and safer than the drugs. In other words, use of herbs treats infection without damaging the underlying constitution of the patient. This allows the patient to recover faster, and become more resistant to secondary or recurrent infections.

 



[1] Zhong Yao Xue (Chinese Herbology), 1988; 140:144

[2] Yu DQ, Chen RY, Huang LJ, Xie FZ, Ming DS, Zhou K, Li HY, Tong KM. The structure and absolute configuration of Shuangkangsu: a novel natural cyclic peroxide from Lonicera japonica (Thunb.). The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2008 Sep-Oct;10(9-10):851-6.

[3] Shan Xi Xin Yi Yao (New Medicine and Herbology of Shanxi), 1980; 9(11):51

[4] Guang Dong Zhong Yi (Guangdong Chinese Medicine), 1962; 5:25

[5] Hsuan SL, Chang SC, Wang SY, Liao TL, Jong TT, Chien MS, Lee WC, Chen SS, Liao JW. The cytotoxicity to leukemia cells and antiviral effects of Isatis indigotica extracts on pseudorabies virus. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 May 4;123(1):61-7.

[6] Biochem Pharmacol. 2004 Jan 1;67(1):167-74.Inhibition of RANTES expression by indirubin in influenza virus-infected human bronchial epithelial cells.Mak NK, Leung CY, Wei XY, Shen XL, Wong RN, Leung KN, Fung MC.

[7] Zhi Wu Yao You Xiao Cheng Fen Shou Ce (Manual of Plant Medicinals and Their Active Constituents), 1986: 608,1084

[8] Fu Jian Zhong Yi Yao (Fujian Chinese Medicine and Herbology), 1965; 4:14

[9] Tanaka T., Ikeda T., Kaku M., Zhu X.H., Okawa M., Yokomizo K., Uyeda M. & Nohara T. A new lignan glycoside and phenylethanoid glycosides from Strobilanthes cusia BREMEK. Chem Pharm Bull. (Tokyo). 2004, 52(10): 1242-1245.

[10] Xin Yi Xue (New Medicine), 1975; 6(3):155

[11] Jiang Xi Xin Yi Yao (Jiangxi New Medicine and Herbology); 1960;(1):34

[12] Shan Xi Xin Yi Yao (New Medicine and Herbology of Shanxi), 1980; 9(11):51

[13] Zhong Cheng Yao Yan Jiu (Research of Chinese Patent Medicine), 1987; 12:9

[14] Zhong Yao Xue (Chinese Herbology), 1998; 174:175

[15] Zhi Wu Yao You Xiao Cheng Fen Shou Ce (Manual of Plant Medicinals and Their Active Constituents), 1986: 608,1084

[16] Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Ying Yong (Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Herbs), 1983; 744

[17] Zhong Yao Zhi (Chinese Herbology Journal), 1984; 250

[18] Zhong Yi Yao Xue Bao (Report of Chinese Medicine and Herbology), 1991; (1):41

[19] Zhong Hua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Chinese Journal of Medicine), 1962; 48(3):188

[20] Xie C., Kokubun T., Houghton P.J. & Simmonds M.S. Antibacterial activity of the Chinese traditional medicine, Zi Hua Di Ding. Phytother Res. 2004, 18(6): 497-500.

[21] Shan Xi Yi Kan (Shanxi Journal of Medicine), 1960;(10):22

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