AsianScientist (May 17, 2011) – For thousands of years, a paste known as Xiao Chuan (消喘膏, XCP) has been used in China to treat breathing difficulties.
In a first study of its kind, researchers in Beijing have shown that XCP may help reduce winter exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung condition caused by cigarette smoke.
Study author Dr. Yongjun Bian, clinical researcher in the respiratory department of Gunag’anmen Hospital in Beijing said, “We had performed observational studies of XCP which had shown the paste decreased the frequency of COPD exacerbation, but this study is the first randomized controlled trial showing the effectiveness and safety of XCP in the prevention of COPD exacerbation.”
Xiao Chuan, a paste whose primary ingredients are all native to China, includes Ephedra vulgaris, Asarum heterothropoides, and Acorus gramineus Soland. The paste is applied in the summer on specific acupuncture points on the back.
“The herbs contained in XCP and natural remedies may have some immune regulation properties, which in turn may aid in their ability to prevent COPD exacerbation,” Bian said.
142 patients were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive either XCP or a placebo paste. Both pastes were applied on the same back points four times during an eight-week period from July to August.
In the study, exacerbation was defined as either a worsening of respiratory symptoms resulting in the patient requiring the standard treatment of oral steroids or antibiotics, or a hospital admission for an acute respiratory complaint. Patients were monitored from November through February, and adverse events were evaluated using the Chinese Herb Skin Stimulation Classification.
They found that treatment with XCP significantly reduced the frequency of winter exacerbation compared with patients treated with placebo, with patients experiencing statistically significant reductions in steroid use and episodes of shortness of breath, and also an improved quality of life. The incidence of adverse events was two percent in treatment group, and all patients recovered after ceasing the medication. There were no adverse events in placebo group.
Bian said future research should include longer follow-up times to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the paste in treating COPD exacerbation, and should also explore the mechanisms at play.
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Source: American Thoracic Society.
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