“Jing Guan Fang” was developed by a research team led by Professor Hsu Chung-Hua, from the Institute of Traditional Medicine at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University and the Chief of Kunming Clinic at Taipei City Hospital. The team drew upon the experience and clinical insights gained during the 2003 SARS epidemic and combined them with traditional Chinese medicine theories to create this prescription medication.
According to Professor Hsu Chung-Hua, “Jing Guan Fang” is composed of a combination of five herbal ingredients: Forsythia Suspensa (Lian Qiao), Scutellaria Baicalensis (Huang Qin), Bupleurum Chinense (Chai Hu), Magnolia Officinalis (Hou Po), and Agastache Rugosa (Huo Xiang). Before widespread vaccination was available in Taiwan, this herbal formula was voluntarily taken by over a thousand frontline medical staff as a means of self-protection and symptom relief.
Professor Hsu stated, “According to the survey, 90% of the respondents reported significant improvement in symptoms such as sore throat, cough, headache, fever, runny nose, diarrhea, taste disturbances, fatigue, and stress, after one week of medication. In addition, there were no reported adverse effects or side effects.” Hence, “Jing Guan Fang” could be an option for frontline high-risk individuals, including flight crews and healthcare personnel, to reduce the risk of viral infection.
To further explore the scientific mechanism behind the traditional Chinese medicine “Jing Guan Fang,” a research team led by Professor Fu Shu-Ling, Associate Professor Lin Dong-Yi, and Associate Professor Bing Yue-Xin from the Institute of Traditional Medicine at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University conducted animal experiments and confirmed its efficacy in preventing COVID-19.
Lin Dong-Yi pointed out that the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins on the cell membrane are the receptors where coronaviruses bind to cells. The research showed that taking “Jing Guan Fang” can reduce the chances of successful contact between the novel coronavirus and host cells, effectively blocking the virus from infecting host cells and inhibiting viral replication.
He further explained that traditional Chinese medicine uses steam to quickly deliver the medicinal ingredients into the nasal cavity and lungs, which can improve cold symptoms, a practice that has been in use for many years. The research team also administered “Jing Guan Fang” to mice through steam inhalation and found that it significantly reduced the expression of ACE2 protein in the lungs, confirming the feasibility of inhalation therapy.
This research not only validates the viability of scientific traditional Chinese medicine but also earned “Jing Guan Fang” a place in the prestigious pharmaceutical journal “Frontiers in Pharmacology.”
The research team emphasized that the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to mutate, but utilizing the wisdom of ancient Chinese medicine to weaken the virus through traditional herbal formulations might be an additional approach to assist in preventing infections. They suggest that using safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine may offer a new strategy for the public in combating the pandemic, but it cannot replace vaccines.
However, Dr. Hsu Chung-Hua emphasizes that “Jing Guan Fang” is a prescription medication prescribed by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and further clinical research is still needed. If the public has any further related questions, it is recommended to consult a professional physician.
The spokesperson for the Central Epidemic Command Center, Dr. Chuang Jen-Hsiang, also stated that through cell and animal experiments, “Jing Guan Fang” has indeed shown potential in alleviating symptoms similar to influenza or COVID-19. While the theoretical foundation appears promising for COVID-19, it is necessary to further verify its preventive efficacy in human trials in the future.