Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Oxford Conference Center, Oxford MS
Event Website
https://oxfordicsb.org/
Start Date
8-4-2025 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Asthma affects individuals across all age groups and poses a significant public health challenge in Taiwan, with high morbidity rates and substantial healthcare burdens. Traditional medicine theory emphasizes restoring the yin-yang balance, achieved through methods such as herbal medicine. Real-world data from Taiwan highlight the growing reliance on complementary therapies due to recurrent exacerbations and the potential side effects of conventional asthma medications. Materials and Methods: First, we analyzed the National Health Insurance Research Database, encompassing a population of 23 million in Taiwan, to identify the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicines. Subsequently, we conducted in vitro experiments and animal model studies to investigate their biological effects. Finally, a clinical study was performed, enrolling asthma patients to assess the impact of these herbal medicines on immune cell function. Results: In a nationwide population-based study (Allergy, 2013), we identified Ding-Chuan-Tang and Xing-ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) being the most commonly prescribed herbal formula and single herb, respectively. Further research demonstrated that targeting glycolysis in Th2 cells using a natural product derived from herbal medicine reduced clinical severity in an asthmatic mouse model and suppressed IL-4 production in peripheral blood from asthma patients. This effect was achieved by regulating glycolysis-driven Th2 cell proliferation, maturation, and associated epigenetic changes (Immunology, 2022). A pilot clinical trial further assessed the efficacy and safety of this formula in children with mild to moderate asthma, providing promising preliminary results. Conclusions: This study employed a multi-faceted approach, integrating big data, bench and beside research, highlighting the potential efficacy and mechanisms of herbal medicines in asthma treatment. Keywords: Allergy; Asthma; Big Data; Herbal Medicine; Immunity.
Recommended Citation
Yen, Hung-Rong; Liu, Chuan-Teng; and Song, Ying-Chyi, "Herbal Medicine for the Management of Asthma in Taiwan: Insights from Big Data, Laboratory Studies, and Clinical Research" (2025). Oxford ICSB. 26.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/icsb/2025_ICSB/Schedule/26
Publication Date
April 2025
Accessibility Status
Screen reader accessible, Searchable text
Included in
Herbal Medicine for the Management of Asthma in Taiwan: Insights from Big Data, Laboratory Studies, and Clinical Research
Oxford Conference Center, Oxford MS
Introduction: Asthma affects individuals across all age groups and poses a significant public health challenge in Taiwan, with high morbidity rates and substantial healthcare burdens. Traditional medicine theory emphasizes restoring the yin-yang balance, achieved through methods such as herbal medicine. Real-world data from Taiwan highlight the growing reliance on complementary therapies due to recurrent exacerbations and the potential side effects of conventional asthma medications. Materials and Methods: First, we analyzed the National Health Insurance Research Database, encompassing a population of 23 million in Taiwan, to identify the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicines. Subsequently, we conducted in vitro experiments and animal model studies to investigate their biological effects. Finally, a clinical study was performed, enrolling asthma patients to assess the impact of these herbal medicines on immune cell function. Results: In a nationwide population-based study (Allergy, 2013), we identified Ding-Chuan-Tang and Xing-ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) being the most commonly prescribed herbal formula and single herb, respectively. Further research demonstrated that targeting glycolysis in Th2 cells using a natural product derived from herbal medicine reduced clinical severity in an asthmatic mouse model and suppressed IL-4 production in peripheral blood from asthma patients. This effect was achieved by regulating glycolysis-driven Th2 cell proliferation, maturation, and associated epigenetic changes (Immunology, 2022). A pilot clinical trial further assessed the efficacy and safety of this formula in children with mild to moderate asthma, providing promising preliminary results. Conclusions: This study employed a multi-faceted approach, integrating big data, bench and beside research, highlighting the potential efficacy and mechanisms of herbal medicines in asthma treatment. Keywords: Allergy; Asthma; Big Data; Herbal Medicine; Immunity.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/icsb/2025_ICSB/Schedule/26