Description

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that impairs airflow and causes breathing difficulties. COPD is a major contributor to chronic health issues and mortality globally; it ranked as the third leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in 3.23 million fatalities in 2019. Individuals with COPD typically develop lung damage or airway obstruction. This condition is characterized by several common symptoms, including coughing, phlegm production, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and fatigue. The challenge in breathing frequently leads to reduced exercise endurance and diminished daily activity levels, which negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQL). Despite following the optimal treatment provided by the Global Initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) guidelines, patients with COPD still experience significant disease effects. This underscores the need for continued research on potential therapies for COPD.

COPD is a gradually progressive airway disease. Harmful agents such as cigarettes and infection are the primary risk factor for COPD. The development of COPD involves airway inflammation and damage to the lung tissue. Persistent exposure to harmful agents damages lung epithelial cells, playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COPD. During this process, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are released, triggering inflammatory pathways and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. These cytokines further activate inflammatory cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, leading to further damage to lung tissues. These inflammatory mechanisms offer insights into potentially effective treatments.

Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT) is a herbal blend formulated to regulate the immune system and treat inflammatory respiratory conditions. A recent study showed that combining JSHT with standard treatment in patients with COVID-19 improved clinical C-reactive protein levels and alleviated infections more effectively than standard treatment alone. Additionally, using JSHT decreases the risk of intubation, critical conditions, and mortality. This suggests that JSHT may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for patients with COVID-19. However, the therapeutic effects of JSHT in COPD have not yet been studied.

Given that JSHT was designed for immune regulation and treatment of inflammatory diseases, investigators hypothesized that JSHT could be beneficial for patients with COPD. Therefore, investigators study the therapeutic effects and precise mechanisms of action of JSHT in COPD. This study provides a possible strategy for using JSHT as an adjuvant therapy for COPD.