Chinese preparation not virus cure
Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW), a Chinese supplement approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mild COVID-19 symptoms, continues to gain popularity and controversy.
A Chinese research claims that it has been used for viral infections for more than a decade, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002–2003.
The Chinese researchers also claim that LHQW is a classical Chinese medical preparation and that its capsules or granules consist of 11 herbs, gypsum and menthol, and this is recorded in the 2015 edition of the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It includes forsythia, honeysuckle, ephedra (ma
huang), armeniacae, gypsum, isatis, dryopteridis, houttuynia, pogostemon, rheum, rhodiola, Chinese peppermint (bohe), and licorice.
In particular, the Chinese herb ma huang, scientifically known as Ephedra sinica, is where the drug ephedrine is extracted from. The Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) considers ephedrine as a dangerous drug, and those found to have it are also classified as dangerous drugs.
The DDB, however, had no objections to the product registration of LHQW with the Philippine FDA. It said the importer or distributor should secure the proper license from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant issuances.
Ephedrine is an amphetamine-like compound, which is an addictive stimulant of the central nervous system. It has a history of abuse by athletes due to its ability to increase energy and alertness and help in weight loss. Ephedra was banned from the Olympics and other sport events, even in the US military.
As a drug, ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator. It is used for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing due to bronchial asthma. It is also used for the prevention of low blood pressure during anesthesia.
Just because a supplement is derived from natural sources does not mean it is safe. Ephedra increases heartbeat and blood pressure. Common side effects are heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting. Some notable dangerous reactions include heart attack, stroke, seizures and sudden death.
In addition, it can also interact with other compounds and herbs. Particularly, when ephedrine is combined with caffeine (coffee), it can lead to significant cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal responses.
Because LHQW has multiple ingredients, other possible interactions with any of its ingredients could also occur.
What’s more, after FDA’s laboratory analysis of LHQW, it was found to comprise only 9.14 milligrams of ephedra extract and not the previously claimed 85 milligrams on its product indication. Likewise, its packaging is in Chinese characters and needs to comply with FDA’s labeling requirements written in English.
While DDB notes the FDA’s approval of LHQW as a traditional herbal product that may help relieve fever, muscle soreness, stuffy and runny nose associated with COVID-19, the DDB also believes in preventing diversion and unsafe use and abuse of this product without hampering access to it. The product should be prescribed by a physician with a PDEA S-2 license. It cannot be bought over-the-counter and is not recommended for self-medication.
The general public is reminded that LHQW is only a traditional Chinese medicine and not a therapeutic drug for COVID-19. To add, the online sale and distribution of this product is prohibited, and those engaging in this activity violate Republic Act 10918 or the Philippine Pharmacy Act.