Evolutionary pathway of TCM in allergic diseases: A Fusion from ancient wisdom to modern science

Allergic diseases, encompassing a wide array of conditions such as allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic asthma (AAS), atopic dermatitis (AD), and food allergy (FA), among others, represent a significant menace to global public health. The heterogeneity of these diseases, along with their intricate pathogenesis and propensity for recurrence, has spurred an escalating demand for efficacious therapeutic strategies. Notwithstanding the advancements in western medicine (WM), treatment modalities like antihistamines, sulfonamides, and glucocorticoids exhibit side effects, especially for the neurotoxicity and the adverse reactions of the digestive system. Additionally, physical therapies utilized in allergy management frequently perturb skin metabolism, potentially resulting in stratum corneum impairment, atrophy, pigmentation, and relapse, thereby mandating further investigation and optimization. The management of allergic disorders is often typified by recurrence and difficulties in attaining a definitive cure, instigating the pursuit of alternative or adjunctive therapeutic regimens. In this regard, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which adopts a comprehensive and holistic view of health and disease, confers remarkable advantages in the treatment of allergic conditions. TCM accentuates the significance of personalized treatment, custom-tailored to each patient's idiosyncratic constitution and disease manifestations, a principle that is especially germane in allergic conditions where standardized treatments frequently fall short. Moreover, TCM interventions, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other modalities, are generally associated with a lower incidence of adverse effects compared to conventional therapies, rendering them appealing options for long-term management. The holistic paradigm of TCM permits the concurrent modulation of multiple physiological systems, not only alleviating the symptoms but also rectifying the underlying imbalances that underpin the development and perpetuation of allergic diseases. This approach, in conjunction with the capacity to individualize treatments, implies that TCM harbors substantial potential in conferring more comprehensive and sustainable relief from allergic symptoms. This article delves into the TCM perspective on allergic diseases and the contemporary value of TCM in their treatment. It further explores the developmental pathway of TCM in addressing allergic diseases, dissects the intersection points between traditional theories and modern science, summarizes the key findings and conclusions, and emphasizes the potential and prospects of TCM in this domain.