PMC:3406298 / 1707-3951 JSONTXT

{"project":"2_test","denotations":[{"id":"22872821-15180574-4678743","span":{"begin":185,"end":186},"obj":"15180574"},{"id":"22872821-16670510-4678744","span":{"begin":188,"end":189},"obj":"16670510"},{"id":"22872821-10799714-4678745","span":{"begin":528,"end":529},"obj":"10799714"},{"id":"22872821-15934013-4678746","span":{"begin":664,"end":665},"obj":"15934013"},{"id":"22872821-15180574-4678747","span":{"begin":923,"end":924},"obj":"15180574"},{"id":"22872821-16670510-4678748","span":{"begin":926,"end":927},"obj":"16670510"},{"id":"22872821-15180574-4678749","span":{"begin":1084,"end":1085},"obj":"15180574"},{"id":"22872821-16670510-4678750","span":{"begin":1087,"end":1088},"obj":"16670510"},{"id":"22872821-10799714-4678751","span":{"begin":1260,"end":1261},"obj":"10799714"},{"id":"22872821-11773672-4678752","span":{"begin":1291,"end":1292},"obj":"11773672"},{"id":"22872821-14526714-4678753","span":{"begin":1600,"end":1601},"obj":"14526714"},{"id":"22872821-17549238-4678754","span":{"begin":1753,"end":1754},"obj":"17549238"},{"id":"22872821-18291608-4678754","span":{"begin":1753,"end":1754},"obj":"18291608"},{"id":"22872821-17302969-4678754","span":{"begin":1753,"end":1754},"obj":"17302969"},{"id":"22872821-19173280-4678755","span":{"begin":2079,"end":2081},"obj":"19173280"}],"text":"INTRODUCTION\nHerbal medicine (HM) has a long history in China for treating clinical conditions including allergy. Over several decades, it has gained popularity in developed countries [1, 2]. The general principle in Chinese medicine is to modify response to allergic triggers such as pollens. It is anticipated that once the bodily functions are improved, quality of life should be enhanced.\nTraditionally, individual Chinese herbs are used in combination guided by its unique theory on maintaining and restoring body balance [3]. Traditional understanding of herb-herb interactions such as synergism and antagonism are considered during the formulation process [4]. Consequently, numerous herbal formulae are documented in the HM literature and are used in everyday practice.\nThis traditional form of practice is largely anecdotal and is subject to scientific scrutiny for its clinical efficacy and mechanisms of action [1, 2]. A number of traditional formulae have demonstrated effectiveness of CHMs for allergic rhinitis (AR) but their action mechanisms are yet to be elucidated [1, 2].\nThe Western pharmacological approach to HM identified a number of active components leading to drug discoveries but were unsuccessful for traditional medicine practice [3]. Consequently, Tang et al. [5] recommended investigating pharmacological actions only after demonstration of clinical efficacy of HM. This approach avoids unnecessary basic research into ineffective therapy.\nWe have used a combined approach: we chose a herbal formula that consists of 18 herbs known to be effective for treatment of AR [6]. In vitro investigations revealed the effects of the ingredients of this formula on key inflammatory mediators relevant to the pathophysiology of AR [7-9]. This led to identification of seven of the 18 herbs from the original formulation with one additional ingredient (Scutellaria baicalensis georgi.) totalling eight herbs in this new formulation, RCM-102. When tested it showed significant inhibitory pharmacological effects on inflammatory mediators relevant to rhinitis [10]. In this clinical trial, we explored whether RCM-102 is efficacious and safe for symptom management and improving quality of life for seasonal AR (SAR) patients."}