Benefits of Jing-Si-Herbal-Tea in Bronchiectasis

Patients are divided into two groups: the usual care group (UC group) and the Jing-Si Herbal Tea group (JSHT group).

The UC group will receive standard medical treatment, with one placebo packet daily for three months.

The JSHT group will receive the standard medical treatment along with Jing-Si Herbal Tea, one packet daily for three months.

Each group will enroll 30 participants. Study period: From January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014. During the study, participants with contraindications such as severe liver dysfunction, severe renal dysfunction, or a history of allergy to JSHT are excluded from enrollment based on the exclusion criteria at the time of enrollment. The only requirement for participants is to adhere to the study protocol regarding the consumption of JSHT and undergoing tests.

Baseline and post-treatment HRQL were assessed using the COPD assessment test (CAT), along with blood tests including white blood cells (WBCs), percentages of different types of WBCs (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), platelets (PLT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), electrolytes (sodium, potassium), C-reactive protein (CRP), and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pPro-BNP). Blood samples from patients will be analyzed for DAMPs and inflammatory cytokines.

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) The Taiwan Society of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine offers the Chinese version of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) on the website. This test consists of eight items designed to evaluate COPD symptoms. These symptoms include cough, phlegm production, chest tightness, breathlessness, limitations in daily activities, confidence in leaving the house, sleep disturbances, and energy levels. Each symptom is rated on a scale from 0 to 5, culminating in a total CAT score ranging from 0 to 40. A higher score reflects more severe COPD symptoms. A score of 10 or higher is indicative of a significant symptom burden. The Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale was used to evaluate dyspnea. This scale, comprising a 5-point grading system ranging from 0 to 4, measures dyspnea severity. A score of 0 indicates dyspnea only during intense exercise, while a sore of 4 represents breathlessness at rest.

Pulmonary function tests (PFT) PFT were conducted using a spirometer following the guidelines set by the American Thoracic Society.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older
• Clinically diagnosed with bronchiectasis
• Willing to participate in the study
• Signed an informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with severe liver
• Individuals with severe kidney diseases
• Individuals who refuse to participate in the study