Yi-Qing Oral Solution and Paxlovid combination for COVID-19: Efficacy and safety in a randomized controlled trial

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a significant social burden worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine has emerged as a vital role in the clinical management of COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yi-Qing Oral Solution in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Yi-Qing Oral Solution for COVID-19. A total of 113 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 were enrolled. The intervention group, consisting of 56 patients, received Yi-Qing Oral Solution in conjunction with Paxlovid, while the control group, comprising 57 patients, received only Paxlovid. We assessed the time to negative nucleic acid test results, clinical symptom scores, and changes in inflammatory markers, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte levels. Results: Our findings indicate that the combination of Yi-Qing Oral Solution and Paxlovid significantly reduces the time required for nucleic acid tests to turn negative and demonstrates greater efficacy than Paxlovid alone in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms, particularly cough ([Formula: see text]). No severe adverse effects, liver or kidney damage, or electrolyte imbalances were reported. Conclusion: The results suggest that Yi-Qing Oral Solution, combined with Paxlovid, may inhibit viral replication, accelerate viral clearance, and facilitate recovery in patients with asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19. This combination could represent a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly in conjunction with other antiviral agents, such as Paxlovid.