(ECNS) — Recent research shows that traditional Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen can significantly inhibit replication of the novel coronavirus in cells, which effectively contains COVID-19 infection, Beijing News reported.

The results showed that it could significantly inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells and induce inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, CCL2/MCP-1 and CXCL-10/IP-10.

In general, it could significantly inhibit replication of the novel coronavirus and resist inflammation.

The results of the paper, whose authors include the prominent Chinese epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan, and researcher Yang Zifeng of the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases at Guangzhou Medical University, were released on Pharmacological Research.
The medicine has been widely used in medical institutions including Huoshenshan, Leishenshan and some makeshift hospitals in Wuhan, Hubei Province to fight the epidemic.

Lianhua Qingwen is a very common TCM used for the treatment of colds and flu. Composed of 13 herbal components, it has a curative effect in patients with mild symptoms and helps to relieve fever, coughs and fatigue.

It has been incorporated into the 6th and 7th versions of the diagnosis and treatment plan issued by the state.

Lianhua Qingwen is the first new drug variety approved by China’s National Drug Administration’s rapid drug approval channel during SARS. It is also the first traditional Chinese medicine for China to enter FDA clinical research in the United States to treat influenza.

China has provided 100,000 boxes of Lianhua Qingwen to hard-hit Italy.