The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine (대한한방소아과학회지)

The Association of Korean Oriental Pediatrics (대한한방소아과학회)
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Herbal Medicine for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Children: a Literature Review

  • Jihong Lee (Department of Korean Pediatrics, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University ) ;
  • In-Jun Yang (Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University)
  • 이지홍 (대구한의대학교 한의학과 한방소아과학교실) ;
  • 양인준 (동국대학교 한의학과 생리학교실)
  • Received : 2023.07.07
  • Accepted : 2023.08.23
  • Published : 2023.08.31
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Abstract

Objectives Few studies to date reviewed herbal medicines prescribed to pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to summarize and analyze these herbal medicines. Methods Nine databases were searched for studies published up until November 24, 2020. Nine case reports and one case series involving 17 pediatric patients were included in the study. The clinical symptoms, interventions, outcomes, pattern identification, composition, and frequency of herbal medicine administration were analyzed. Results The symptoms of pediatric patients with COVID-19 treated with herbal medicines were mild or moderate. Herbal medicines have been used to alleviate symptoms, such as fever and cough. No adverse events were reported. All of the patients who received herbal medicines were discharged from the hospital after symptomatic relief. Pattern identification revealed that the lungs were the most affected organs. Epidemic toxins, wind, dampness, and heat were the primary etiological factors. More pediatric patients with COVID-19 were prescribed a combination of herbal and Western medicines than herbal medicines alone. The frequently used herbs include Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Lonicerae Flos, Scutellariae Radix, Armeniacae Semen, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Astragali Radix. Conclusions Our review can serve as a reference for the treatment of COVID-19 in children.

Keywords

References

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