Recent research reveals that qiliqiangxin, a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, effectively reduces hospitalizations and cardiovascular fatalities among patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Introduction:
Qiliqiangxin, derived from a blend of traditional Chinese herbs, has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing both hospitalizations and deaths related to heart failure. This study showcases its safety and benefits in a comprehensive clinical trial.
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Impact:
In this clinical trial, qiliqiangxin exhibited a significant reduction in hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death in patients with HFrEF. This traditional Chinese medicine extract is derived from a combination of eleven different herbs, as detailed in Table 1. Preliminary investigations have also indicated its potential in improving heart failure symptoms and attenuating myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodeling.
The QUEST Trial: A Comprehensive Evaluation:
The QUEST trial aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of qiliqiangxin in treating major heart failure outcomes among HFrEF patients. Conducted across 133 hospitals in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR of China, the trial enrolled adult HFrEF patients who met specific criteria, including left ventricular ejection fraction and NT-proBNP levels. Patients were randomly assigned to receive qiliqiangxin or a placebo in addition to their standard heart failure medications. The primary endpoint was a composite of rehospitalization for worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death.
Significant Reduction in Heart Failure Outcomes:
Throughout an average follow-up period of 18.3 months, the primary endpoint occurred in fewer patients in the qiliqiangxin group compared to the placebo group, indicating a substantial reduction in risk. This effect was observed in terms of rehospitalization for worsening heart failure and cardiovascular death. Importantly, this positive impact was consistent across various patient subgroups.
Secondary Findings and Safety Analysis:
Analysis of secondary endpoints revealed a greater decrease in serum NT-proBNP levels in the qiliqiangxin group, in line with previous research. Safety analysis indicated no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the two groups, and qiliqiangxin capsules were well-tolerated with no major adverse events.
Expert Opinion and Conclusion:
Principal investigator Professor Xinli Li emphasized that this trial marked the first randomized, double-blind controlled trial of a traditional Chinese medicine for chronic heart failure treatment. The results provide substantial evidence of qiliqiangxin’s clinical benefit for HFrEF patients and support its use as an adjunct therapy for heart failure treatment.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of qiliqiangxin, a traditional Chinese medicine, in significantly reducing heart failure-related hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths among HFrEF patients. These findings offer hope for a complementary approach to treating this challenging condition.
References:
[1] Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial: Qiliqiangxin in heart failUre: assESsment of reduction in morTality (QUEST)
[2] A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Effects of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
[3] Qiliqiangxin alleviates Ang II-induced CMECs apoptosis by downregulating autophagy via the ErbB2-AKT-FoxO3a axis
[4] Traditional Chinese medicine qiliqiangxin attenuates phenylephrine-induced cardiac hypertrophy via upregulating PPARγ and PGC-1α
[5] Qiliqiangxin improves cardiac function and attenuates cardiac remodeling in doxorubicin-induced heart failure rats
[6] Qiliqiangxin Modulates the Gut Microbiota and NLRP3 Inflammasome to Protect Against Ventricular Remodeling in Heart Failure
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is qiliqiangxin?
Qiliqiangxin is a traditional Chinese medicine extract obtained from a blend of eleven different herbs. It has been used in the treatment of heart failure.
What does the research show about qiliqiangxin’s effectiveness?
The research demonstrates that qiliqiangxin effectively reduces hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
What was the scope of the QUEST trial?
The QUEST trial evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of qiliqiangxin in HFrEF patients across 133 hospitals in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR of China.
What were the primary endpoints of the trial?
The primary endpoints of the trial were a composite of rehospitalization for worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death.
Were there any significant adverse effects reported in the trial?
The safety analysis showed that qiliqiangxin capsules were well-tolerated, with no major differences between the two groups in adverse events, including gastrointestinal symptoms, worsening renal function, and increased liver enzymes.
What are the implications of this research for heart failure treatment?
This research suggests that qiliqiangxin could serve as an adjunct therapy for treating heart failure, offering a potential complementary approach to existing treatments.
More about Traditional Chinese Medicine
- ESC Congress 2023
- BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies – Study Protocol
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology – Qili Qiangxin Capsules Study
- Life Sciences – Qiliqiangxin and Cardiac Hypertrophy
- Annals of Translational Medicine – Qiliqiangxin and Cardiac Function
- Frontiers in Pharmacology – Qiliqiangxin and Gut Microbiota
4 comments
Traditional Chinese med, Qiliqiangxin, reduces heart failure hospitalizations & deaths in big trial. Safe stuff! _xD83C__xDFE5_❤️
whoa! Qiliqiangxin, a Chinese med, cuts down heart probs. Quest trial in 133 hosp. Safety=good! _xD83D__xDC4D_
Qiliqiangxin: Chinese herb blend vs. heart failure. Trial 133 hospitals. Fewer deaths, good news. _xD83C__xDF3F_❤️
qiliqiangxin – chines med – heart fail trial. _xD83D__xDE32_ Fewer hosp stays! No big side eff, good news!