Table 1 Classical formulas from ancient Chinese medical texts

Yupingfeng Powder

Astragalus Membranaceus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma

Reduces TNF- α and IL-6 levels, inhibits phosphorylation and chemotaxis of JAK1/STAT3 pathway, thereby reducing IL-8 production, and regulates MMP-9/TIMP1 homeostasis, thereby inhibiting airway inflammatory response and airway remodeling

[10, 45]

Maxing Shigan Decoction

Ephedra Herba, Armeniacae Semen, Gypsum Fibrosum, Glycyrrhizae Radix

Reduces the inflammatory response and modulates the immune system by regulating several proteins that interact with ACE2 and several signaling pathways associated with disease development

[46]

Xiaochaihu Decoction

Bupleuri Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix

Immobilizes ACE2 and prevents the virus from binding to ACE2 to achieve antiviral effect

[17, 47]

Yinqiao Powder

Lonicera Japonica, Fructus Forsythiae, Platycodon Grandiflorum

Exerts anti-inflammatory effect through mediating NF-κB signaling pathway, B-cell signaling pathway and T-cell signaling pathway

[48]

Sangju Drink

Folium Mori, Flos Chrysanthemi, Armeniacae Semen

Exerts anti-inflammatory effect through mediating NF-κB signaling pathway, B-cell signaling pathway and T-cell signaling pathway

[48]

Dayuan Drink

Areca Catechu, Magnolia Officinalis, Amomum Tsao-ko

Acts on PIK3CG, AKT1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7 and other targets to reduce oxidative stress and achieve anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects

[27]

Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction

Gypsum Fibrosum, Rheum Officinale, Armeniacae Semen

Reduces TNF-α and IL-1β levels and improves IL-10, thereby reducing the inflammatory response

[17]

Maxing Yigan Decoction

Ephedra, Armeniacae Semen, Pearl Barley, Glycyrrhizae Radix

Influences AGE-RAGE, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other signaling pathways through IL-6 to achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects

[49]

Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction

Draba Nemorosa, Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae

Decreases serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1, increases IL-10 levels, suppresses inflammatory responses and improves histopathological changes in the lung

[50]

Qianjin Weijing Decoction

Rhizoma Phragmitis, Pearl Barley, Seed of Chinese Waxgourd, Peach Kernel

Reduces the level of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, inhibits the release of inflammatory factors from helper T cells, and promotes the release of anti-inflammatory factors from regulatory T cells to achieve anti-inflammatory effects

[17]

Prevention of “COVID-19” No. 2 formula

Astragalus Membranaceus, Lonicera Japonica, Citri Pericarpium, Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, Glycyrrhizae Radix

Exert immunomodulatory effects on CsA-induced immunodeficiency mouse model by improving thymic tissue structure and regulating the expression levels of IFN-γ and Ang II

[43]