Xiyanping

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Xiyanping structure

Xiyanping: A Contemporary Antiviral Derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine[edit | edit source]

Xiyanping (喜炎平) stands as a testament to the blending of traditional knowledge with modern medical practice. Recognized for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, this drug has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is primarily used in the Chinese healthcare system.

Origin and Composition[edit | edit source]

Xiyanping is a semi-synthetic injectable formulation. It derives its therapeutic potential from the plant Andrographis paniculata, known in TCM as Chuan Xin Lian (穿心蓮). This plant has been traditionally used in TCM for its wide-ranging medicinal properties[1].

The main constituents of Xiyanping are:

  • 9-dehydro-17-hydro-andrographolide
  • Sodium 9-dehydro-17-hydro-andrographolide-19-yl sulfate[2]

Therapeutic Uses[edit | edit source]

Predominantly, Xiyanping is employed in the management of:

An intriguing case report also highlighted its potential efficacy in treating Zika fever[3].

Side Effects and Precautions[edit | edit source]

Like most drugs, Xiyanping is not devoid of side effects. Users may experience:

  • Erythema (skin redness) at the injection site
  • Pruritus (itching) around the injected region

In rarer instances, patients might undergo an anaphylactic reaction, which poses severe health risks and may even be life-threatening. Precautions are essential.

Moreover, owing to the abortifacient properties inherent to andrographolide and its derivatives, Xiyanping is strongly contraindicated for pregnant women[4].

Conclusions[edit | edit source]

Xiyanping illustrates the synergy between time-tested herbal wisdom and modern pharmacological practices. However, like all therapeutics, judicious use based on a proper understanding of its benefits and potential side effects is essential. It stands as a beacon to the potential of integrating traditional remedies into contemporary medical practice.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Chao, W. W., & Lin, B. F. (2010). Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds in Andrographis paniculata (Chuanxinlian). Chinese medicine, 5(1), 17.
  2. Subramanian, R., Asmawi, M. Z., & Sadikun, A. (2012). In vitro alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzyme inhibitory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide. Acta biochimica Polonica, 59(2).
  3. Yan, J., Pang, W., & Lou, J. (2017). Anti-Zika virus activity of the ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata and its active component andrographolide in human MRC-5 cells. Antiviral therapy, 22(7), 623-629.
  4. Jarukamjorn, K., & Nemoto, N. (2008). Pharmacological aspects of Andrographis paniculata on health and its major diterpenoid constituent andrographolide. Journal of health science, 54(4), 370-381.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD