Efficacy and safety of Suhuang Zhike Capsules in the treatment of asthma: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

<bold>Background:</bold> Cough is the most difficult symptom to relieve in asthma. Suhuang Zhike Capsules (Suhuang), a Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of post-infectious cough. However, there is a lack of evidence on uncontrolled cough in asthma. <bold>Objective:</bold> To investigate the efficacy and safety of Suhuang treatment in inadequately or poorly controlled mild to moderate asthma. <bold>Methods:</bold> A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Eligible participants from three hospitals were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio, in addition to receiving ICS combined with LABA treatment, to receive either Suhuang or placebo for 14 days, followed by a 28-day follow-up. <bold>Results:</bold> A total of 132 patients (66 in Suhuang and 66 in placebo groups) were included in the analysis. ACT scores tended to improve more in the Suhuang group, and in the subgroup analysis of stable ICS and LABA use, ACT scores improved significantly in the Suhuang group than in the placebo group. Patients in Suhuang group had a greater reduction in cough VAS scores compared to those receiving placebo. This effect was observed on day 14 (end of the treatment) and continued until day 42 (end of the follow-up). Additionally, Suhuang treatment significantly reduced FENO levels in asthma patients compared to placebo. Safety was similar between the two groups. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Suhuang Zhike Capsules could be used as an adjunct therapy for patients with mild to moderate asthma who are stably treated with ICS combined with LABA but have poor control. It was helpful in alleviating cough symptoms and airway inflammation in asthma patients.