Detoxification and Inflammation Control—“Hanshi Zufei Decoction”, a Possible Effective Phytotherapy for Mild Cases by Coronavirus Disease 19

Object: This work explains the theoretical basis of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” for the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) through Western medical theories. Methods: We analyze the guideline of the “Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia” (Version I to Version VII) made by China, “Clinical Management of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection When Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection is Suspected—Interim Guidance” made by WHO, “Therapeutic Guidelines: Gastroenteropathy Section (Version V of Original)” and “Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotics Section (Version XV of Original)” published by Australia, and the origin of classical prescription of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction”: “Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases)”, “Jinkui Yaolue (Synopsis of Golden Chamber)” and “Wenyi Lun (Treatise on Plague). We search the dictionary of traditional Chinese medicine (Version II) manually. Literature is searched from 2001 to 2020 on the Wiley online library. We conduct a comparative study on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction”, the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of respiratory system diseases and acute gastrointestinal inflammation by COVID-19. And we conduct the pharmacological inquiry of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction”. Results: The respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 and the basis of the “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” are basically considered to be consistent. “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” can relieve respiratory symptoms, protect gastrointestinal mucosa, promote intestinal emptying, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in the form of clusters. The dosage form and dosage used are in line with the range of pharmacological activity of the drug. Conclusions: “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” may have a good performance in reducing toxicity and controlling inflammation through intestinal emptying, and may play an active role in the treatment of COVID-19.