Effect of Rorrico, extracted from group of Chinese medicines, on influenza A and H1N1 infections.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic and preventive effects of Rorrico on influenza, especially influenza A viral infection, including swine flu (H1N1) in humans. METHODS: Eighty-nine subjects were recruited in Hong Kong and Macau, and divided into treatment group (TG) and prevention group (PG) based on their influenza A and swine flu symptoms. All subjects were prescribed Rorrico or placebo, and monitored by a Chinese medicine practitioner. Blood samples were collected before and after 7-day Rorrico or placebo treatment for laboratory investigations. RESULTS: After treatment, there were some full recoveries and obvious relief of onset symptoms in the TG. Blood test results showed that Rorrico produced (a) no adverse effects on subjects' renal and liver functions, muscle enzyme and hematological status, (b) no up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-a and interleukin-18 in both TG and PG, (c) mild yet statistically significant elevation of plasma mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in PG. CONCLUSION: Rorrico has no up-regulating effect on the participants' immune response, or, equally likely, the immuno-modulatory effects of Rorrico do not non-specifically or unnecessarily promote inflammation when not required. It is possible that oral administration of Rorrico can promote hepatic synthesis of MBL in healthy PG subjects, thereby conferring increased protection against infection.

A panel study to evaluate quality of life assessments in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis after treatment with a Chinese herbal nasal drop.

Allergic rhinitis impairs quality of life (QOL). To assess the changes in QOL of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) after treatment with Allergic Rhinitis Nose Drops (ARND), 35 patients were divided into 2 groups in a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled study, with a cross-over arrangement over 7 weeks, applying ARND or placebo. Group A (n = 20) started with ARND first for 2 weeks followed by a 3-week washout before placebo for the last 2 weeks, while Group B (n = 15) started with placebo first and finished with ARND after washout. The changes in Clinical Symptoms Score (CSS) and QOL were observed. A decrease in CSS was observed in patients of both groups after treatment with ARND, but no change was observed with the placebo. Group A patients also showed significant improvements in complexion and sleep (P < 0.05 for both) after treatment with ARND, but no change with the placebo. Group B patients showed significant improvements in appetite and digestion (P < 0.01) as well as joy (P < 0.05) after cross-over treatment with ARND, but no change with the placebo. ARND may have a therapeutic effect by relieving clinical symptoms and improving the QOL in patients with PAR.