Clinical Observation on the 49 Cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treated with Langhuan Ke Bi Tang

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of self-formulated Langhuan Ke Bi Tang (decoction for bi syndrome).

Methods: 84 cases of RA were divided at random into treatment group (49 cases) and control group (35 cases): (l) The patients in the treatment group were treated with one dose of self- formulated Langhuan Ke Bi Tang daily, administered in 3 times, each time 200ml. The decoction was taken continuously for 2 months; (2) The patients in the control group were treated for 2 months with FENBID (Ibuprofen sustained release capsules) dose 0.3g twice daily, 2 tablets of WEILESHENG 3 times daily Prednisone l0-30mg/d, the medicines were taken continuously for 2 months.

Result: It was determined that when the symptoms disappeared, the functions of the joints recovered and the items of the physical and chemical lab tests became normal, the disease was regarded as cured; when the symptoms fundamentally disappeared, the joint function resumed, and the items of the physical and chemical tests were basically normal, the treatment was remarkably effective; if the main symptoms disappeared, the joint function fundamentally recovered, the patients was able to manage the daily life themselves, and the main lab test items were improved, the treatment was effective; if there was no improvement of the symptoms and signs, and items of the lab test were without change, the treatment was ineffective. In the treatment group, there were 4 cases cured, 4 cases remarkably effective, 34 cases effective, 7 cases ineffective, the total effective rate was 88.8%. In the control group 2 cases cured, 4 cases remarkably effective, l2 cases effective, and l7 cases ineffective, the total effective rate was 5l.4%. In the follow-up visit, which was made 2 months after the cessation of treatment, it was found that in the treatment group the therapeutic effect was enhanced and there was a tendency of further improvement. In the control group there was a worsening tendency of the condition. The therapeutic effects between the 2 groups were significantly different (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: Langhuan Ke Bi Tang (decoction for Bi syndrome), composed of PAOJIA, Lumbricus, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix Aconiti Lateralis praeparata, Herba asari cum Radice, Radix Angelicae sinensis, Rhizome atractylodis, Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae, Radix Achyranthis bidentatae, Radix Astragali, has the action of warming Yang, benefiting qi, moving blood relieving swelling, invigorating flow of qi and removing pain, it has no toxic side effects for the heart, liver and kidney.

By Huang Xiangwu