Effect of Yifei-Huoxue Decoction Combined with Tiotropium on Inflammatory Cytokine Levels, Pulmonary Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective

The main objective is to investigate the effect of Yifei-Huoxue decoction combined with tiotropium on the inflammatory cytokine levels, pulmonary function, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Ninety-eight COPD patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into reference group (routine treatment) and study group (Yifei-Huoxue decoction combined with tiotropium), with 49 cases in each group. The patients' clinical indexes were compared between the two groups, and the clinical efficacy in the two groups was analyzed.

Results

Compared with the reference group, the study group had remarkably lower inflammatory cytokine levels (including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) after treatment (P > 0.05). In terms of the patients' pulmonary function indexes after treatment, the study group achieved lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC levels compared with the reference group (P < 0.05). Both groups had a lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) after treatment compared with that before treatment. However, the intergroup difference in the ESRs after treatment was remarkable, and the study group had a much lower ESR compared with the reference group (P < 0.05). Compared with the reference group, the study group achieved much higher 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scores in dimensions of general health, physical functioning, social functioning, and mental health after treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Yifei-Huoxue decoction combined with tiotropium not only enhances the COPD patients' pulmonary function but also decreases their inflammatory levels. Therefore, this treatment is conducive to promoting the COPD patients' recovery and exerts positive effect on improving their quality of life.

The traditional and modern uses of Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring, in medicine and cosmetic: Applications and bioactive ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Extracts of the plant Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring (spike moss) are used for a long time in Asia, for the treatment of multiple diseases and conditions. Aqueous and alcoholic leave extracts are used by local communities. In China, the plant (Juan bai) is listed on the Pharmacopoeia. In South Korea, the use of this plant (Kwon Baek) is mentioned in the book Dongui-Bogam (Heo Jun 1613), at the origin of the Hyungsang medicine. S. tamariscina is traditionally used in Vietnam (mong lung rong), Thailand (dok hin), Philippines (pakong-tulog) and other Asian countries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide an analysis of the multiple traditional and current uses of S. tamariscina extracts (STE) in the field of medicine and cosmetic. The review is also intended at identifying the main natural products at the origin of the many pharmacological properties reported with these extracts (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiallergic, anticancer effects).

METHODS

Extensive database retrieval, such as SciFinder and PubMed, was performed by using keywords like " Selaginella tamariscina", "spike moss", "Selaginellaceae ". Relevant textbooks, patents, reviews, and digital documents were consulted to collate all available scientific literature and to provide a complete science-based survey of the topic.

RESULTS

Different solvents and methods are used to prepare STE. The process can largely modify the natural product content and properties of the extracts. STE display a range of pharmacological effects, useful to treat metabolic disorders, several inflammatory diseases and various cancers. A specific carbonized extract (S. tamariscina carbonisatus) has shown hemostatic effects, whereas standard STE can promote blood circulation. Many patented STE-containing cosmetic preparations are reviewed here. Several biflavonoids (chiefly amentoflavone) and phenolic compounds (selaginellin derivatives) are primarily responsible for the observed pharmacological properties. Potent inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B), phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), and repressor of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression have been identified from STE.

CONCLUSION

The traditional use of STE supports the research performed with this plant. There are robust experimental data, based on in vitro and in vivo models, documenting the use of STE to treat type 2 diabetes, several inflammatory diseases, and some cancers (in combination with standard chemotherapy). Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) is a prime reservoir for amentoflavone, and many other bioactive natural products. The interest of the plant in medicine and cosmetic is amply justified.