Anti-influenza formula medicines based on warm disease theory of traditional Chinese medicine

Warm disease, characterized primarily by fever, is caused by exogenous pathogenic factors, such as Influenza. Ancient medical books have documented treatment strategies, and many formulas and herbs have been identified as effective against influenza. Treatment on acute flu-induced pneumonia should consider suppressing viral replication and mitigating the tissue damage mediated by the immune system. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have superiority since their multi-ingredients and multi-targets. There are many formulas containing anti-influenza components and anti-inflammation components. TCM showed less resistance during application. Many formulas are common for clinic use like Lianhuaqingwen Capsule, Fufang Xiangru Liquid, and Shengjiang Powder. Their efficacy in viral elimination and inflammation regulation has been evaluated, leading to the identification of effective phytochemicals that elucidate their anti-flu mechanisms. This review introduces some Chinese patent medicines based on warm disease theory and reviews their current research process.