▲Zhu Liangchun, Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1917.8-2015.12)Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the exocrine glands. The most common clinical manifestations of this disease are progressive dry mouth and dry eyes, and it can also affect various organs such as the kidneys, lungs, thyroid, and liver, leading to symptoms like hypergammaglobulinemic purpura, interstitial pneumonia, renal tubular acidosis, cholestatic liver cirrhosis, and peripheral and central nervous system damage. This disease is classified into primary and secondary types. The primary type, known as primary Sjögren’s syndrome, occurs without other autoimmune diseases; the secondary type occurs in conjunction with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Sjögren’s syndrome is more prevalent in women, accounting for about 90% of all cases, with the onset age concentrated between 30 and 60 years.The causes are Yin deficiency, dryness toxin, Qi deficiency, and blood stasis.
Sjögren’s syndrome falls under the category of “dry bi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Although there is no specific term for dry bi in ancient texts, discussions related to this condition can be found in various medical writings. As early as in the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), it is stated that “dryness prevails and causes dryness” and “dryness moistens.” In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing discussed in the “Jinkui Yaolue” that “dryness of the mouth and tongue indicates water Qi in the intestines” and “dry mouth, desiring to rinse with water but not to swallow… is due to blood stasis.” During the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, Liu Wansu added in the “Suwen Xuanji Yuan Bing Shi” that “all dryness, withered and cracked, belongs to dryness.” Renowned physician Zhang Qianli in the Qing Dynasty recognized in clinical practice that “upper dryness affects Qi, lower dryness affects blood; Qi depletion injures the liver, blood depletion injures the stomach.” In summary, physicians throughout history have mainly believed that Sjögren’s syndrome is related to dryness evil, Yin deficiency, blood dryness, dampness obstruction, and blood stasis. Modern physicians have gained a deeper understanding of Sjögren’s syndrome, considering its primary pathogenesis to be Yin deficiency and fluid loss, with direct causes being Yin deficiency, dryness toxin, Qi deficiency, and blood stasis.
Master Zhu Liangchun advocates the theory of “dryness transforming into toxin” proposed by modern TCM expert Ran Xuefeng in treating Sjögren’s syndrome. He believes that the dryness in this disease, although presenting symptoms of dryness syndrome, is not directly caused by external dryness evil or any specific factor, but rather is due to the increasing prevalence of dryness evil, which accumulates over time to form toxins, scorching Yin fluids, and injuring the lungs, stomach, spleen, liver, and kidneys, leading to insufficient nourishment and moisture in the joints, meridians, and skin, resulting in dryness of the mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes, and even joint or muscle pain.Diagnosis in TCMTCM Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome in TCM refers to the “Practical TCM Rheumatology” (2nd edition).
1. A history of insufficient constitution, loss of Yin fluids, invasion by external dryness, or dryness caused by injury to fluids, or toxicity from harsh drying medications; 2. Symptoms of fluid injury and dryness, such as dry mouth, dry throat, dry eyes, dry skin, and dry stools; 3. Specific manifestations of dryness in the five organs and their interrelated six fu organs; 4. Clinical manifestations of joints, fascia, and muscles lacking fluid nourishment; 5. Symptoms of fluid deficiency and blood dryness, such as dry and itchy skin, five hearts heat, night sweats, muscle wasting, and numbness; 6. Symptoms of fluid deficiency and blood stasis, such as purpura, erythema nodosum, and episodic cyanosis of the extremities; 7. Symptoms of dryness and blockage, such as subcutaneous nodules, sebaceous cysts, and goiters; 8. A red or crimson tongue with cracks, little or no coating, or geographic tongue. The pulse is thin and rapid or wiry and thin, or thin and rough.If three of the above criteria are met, along with reference to other criteria, a diagnosis of “dry bi” can be established.Western Medicine Diagnosis
The diagnostic criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome in Western medicine are based on the “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome” published by the Chinese Medical Association Rheumatology Branch in November 2010, which follows the 2002 international classification (diagnostic) standards for Sjögren’s syndrome.
Oral symptoms: At least one of the following three items must be present.
1. Persistent dry mouth for more than three months; 2. Recurrent or persistent swelling of the parotid glands in adulthood; 3. Need for water to swallow dry food.
Ocular symptoms: At least one of the following three items must be present.
1. Severe dry eyes lasting more than three months; 2. Sensation of sand in the eyes or gritty feeling; 3. Need for artificial tears three times or more daily.
Ocular signs: At least one of the following tests must be positive.
1. Schirmer I test (+)(>5mm/5min); 2. Corneal staining (+)(4 van Bijsterveld scoring method).
Histological examination: Pathology of the lower lip glands shows lymphocytic foci ≥1 (indicating at least 50 lymphocytes aggregated in the stroma of the lip glands within 4mm of tissue).
Salivary gland damage: At least one of the following tests must be positive.
1. Salivary flow rate (+)(≤1.5ml/15min); 2. Sialography (+); 3. Salivary gland scintigraphy (+).
Autoantibodies: Anti-SSA or anti-SSB (+) (double diffusion method).
Five Patterns of Differentiation and Treatment
Sjögren’s syndrome generally belongs to the category of deficiency with excess, with Yin deficiency as the root and dryness heat as the manifestation. Additionally, the condition often lingers and becomes chronic, leading to deficiency and stasis. Chronic illness affects the kidneys, and deficiency of righteous Qi impairs the functions of generating, transporting, and retaining fluids, resulting in insufficient distribution of fluids. Therefore, Zhu Liangchun proposes treating dryness by “nourishing the kidneys, cultivating the root, nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and detoxifying and resolving stasis” as the fundamental approach, often categorizing clinical differentiation into five types.
Dryness Evil Invading the Lungs, Qi and Fluid Deficiency
Symptoms include dryness of the lips, tongue, throat, and nose, dry cough without phlegm, or scanty sticky phlegm that is difficult to expel, body heat with chills, joint pain, and dry stools. The tongue is red with a thin yellow coating, and the pulse is thin and rapid. Lung heat injures Yin, leading to an inability to distribute fluids, causing the organs, meridians, and joints to lose nourishment, resulting in symptoms of dryness in the mouth and eyes and joint pain.
Zhu Liangchun believes that treating dryness should avoid acrid and harsh substances, as they may exacerbate the evil fire; and should not use bitter cold substances, as they may increase dryness toxins and further damage vitality. Instead, sweet, cool, and moistening substances should be emphasized. Commonly used herbs include Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Sha Shen (Adenophora), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Zhu Er Shen (Dendrobium), and Bai Shao (White Peony), which nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, and reduce fire; Jin Hua (Honeysuckle), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Tu Fu Ling (Smilax), and Han Shui Shi (Cold Water Stone) are used to detoxify dryness toxins. Among the commonly used herbs, Zhu Er Shen and Yu Zhu are particularly noted by Zhu Liangchun. Zhu Er Shen is cool in nature and has a stronger ability to nourish Yin fluids compared to Dang Shen (Codonopsis), as noted in “Bencao Congxin” (New Herbal Classic), which states it “nourishes the lungs and reduces fire; it is suitable for those with lung heat.” Yu Zhu is sweet and neutral, entering the lung and stomach meridians; “Bencao Gangmu” (Compendium of Materia Medica) states it “can replace Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Huang Qi (Astragalus), not cold or dry, with significant efficacy.” The “Health Family Treasure Formula” combines it with Wei Rui (Asparagus), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Dang Gui (Angelica), and Huang Lian (Coptis) for decoction and fumigation, which can also treat red, dry, and painful eyes.
Spleen and Stomach Yin Injury, Dryness Toxin Intermingling
Symptoms include more severe dry mouth, dry throat, hoarseness, mouth ulcers, difficulty swallowing, bitter and foul taste in the mouth, dry stools, fatigue, and possibly insomnia and irritability. The tongue is dry like a mirror, red or crimson, and the pulse is thin and rapid, or low-grade fever may be present. This indicates spleen and stomach Yin injury, fluid deficiency, and intermingling of dryness toxins. Treatment focuses on nourishing Yin with sweet and cool substances and strengthening the spleen.
Zhu Liangchun often states that Sjögren’s syndrome is different from general internal dryness and stubborn bi syndrome, and it is not simply due to excessive fire. The symptoms of Yin deficiency seen in treatment differ from those of general Yin deficiency syndrome; using common methods to nourish Yin and replenish fluids may not yield effective results. The dryness results from the depletion of fluids and blood, which is related to spleen Yin. The spleen and stomach are the sources of postnatal Qi, blood, and fluids, so nourishing the spleen Yin and stomach Yin becomes another approach to treating dry bi. In this type, Zhu Liangchun prefers to use Sha Shen, Huang Jing (Polygonatum), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and Yu Zhu, which both replenish spleen Qi and spleen Yin, and can nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, and generate fluids to quench thirst. Additionally, Zhu Liangchun often uses large doses of Shi Hu (Dendrobium) for its ability to clear heat, generate fluids, nourish stomach Yin, and also has the function of unblocking meridians and relieving pain, considering that patients with Sjögren’s syndrome often have joint pain, making this use particularly beneficial.
Another commonly used herb is Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), which is sweet and bitter, cold in nature, can transform heat toxins, is adept at dissipating abscesses and resolving masses, and treats gastric heat pain. Previous physicians recognized its ability to treat gastric pain, and Zhu Liangchun summarized their experiences, proposing that “Pu Gong Ying can clear the stomach, eliminate stasis, and relieve pain,” which is effective for the spleen and stomach Yin injury and dryness toxin type of Sjögren’s syndrome, providing sweet, cold, detoxifying, and nourishing stomach Yin effects. In “Nourishing Spleen Yin,” Zhu Liangchun emphasizes not only replenishing spleen Yin and nourishing stomach fluids but also ensuring smooth middle Qi. When the spleen and stomach Qi is unobstructed, their transport functions are normal, and fluids will naturally be generated abundantly. Therefore, he often adds Gu Ya (Barley Sprout), Mai Ya (Barley), Yu Die (Butterfly Pea), Jue Ming Zi (Cassia Seed), and Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) to promote Qi movement and regulate the bowels.
Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency, Internal Heat
Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, dry mouth and throat, frequent drinking without relief, rampant dental caries, five hearts heat, tinnitus, weakness in the lower back and knees, and constipation. The tongue is red with little or no coating, and the pulse is thin and rapid. This indicates prolonged illness or aging leading to liver and kidney deficiency, insufficient Yin blood, and internal heat. Treatment focuses on nourishing the liver and kidneys, clearing heat, and moistening dryness. The kidneys are the root of congenital essence, and kidney Yin is the foundation of all Yin fluids in the body. The kidneys store essence, and the liver stores blood; essence and blood share the same source and can transform into each other. Therefore, nourishing the Yin of the liver and kidneys and replenishing essence and blood is the fundamental method of treatment. As kidney Yin gradually recovers, the Yin of the lungs, stomach, and spleen will also be replenished. Zhu Liangchun prefers to use large doses of Sheng Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum), Mo Han Lian (Eclipta), Sheng Bai Shao, and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) to nourish the liver and kidneys. If there is significant internal heat, he adds Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) and Xuan Shen (Scrophularia) to clear heat and moisten dryness. While nourishing fluids, he does not forget to consider Qi and blood, often adding Sheng Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui, and Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus) to ensure sufficient Qi and blood, allowing fluids to be retained.
Excessive Dryness and Yin Deficiency, Phlegm and Stasis Obstructing the Meridians
Symptoms include dry mouth and throat, dry eyes with scant tears, joint pain, skin dryness, subcutaneous nodules or painful erythema, and in women, reduced menstrual flow or amenorrhea. The tongue is purplish and dark, with possible stasis spots or purpura, little or no coating, and the pulse is thin and rough. Prolonged illness often leads to deficiency and stasis, with the evil Qi entering the meridians, causing Qi deficiency that impedes blood flow and leads to blood stasis. Dryness and heat injure Yin, transforming fluids into phlegm, and the depletion of fluids and blood causes blood flow to stagnate, leading to phlegm and stasis. Therefore, patients with Sjögren’s syndrome often experience joint pain. Treatment should nourish Yin, moisten dryness, eliminate stasis, resolve phlegm, and unblock the meridians. Commonly used herbs include Dang Gui, Chi Shao, Ji Xue Teng, Mai Dong, Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower), Sheng Shui Zhi (Leech), Pao Shan Jia (Pangolin), Di Bie Chong (Earthworm), Wei Ling Xian (Clematis), and Chuan Shan Long (Dichroa) to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, invigorate blood, and unblock the meridians.
Yang Deficiency with Fluid Stagnation, Obstruction of the Meridians
This pattern is rare but commonly seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome. It often results from congenital Yang deficiency and Qi weakness, or prolonged illness leading to Yin fluid deficiency, which damages Yang. Symptoms include dryness of the mouth and throat, fatigue, cold intolerance, joint swelling and pain without warmth, a swollen tongue, pale and tender tongue, thin coating, and a weak pulse. The saying “lonely Yin does not generate, solitary Yang does not thrive” reflects the objective law of life development and change. The source of transformation in the body’s organs and tissues relies on the opposing unity of true Yin (water) and true Yang (fire) in the kidneys.
Zhu Liangchun believes that while Sjögren’s syndrome is primarily characterized by Yin fluid deficiency and internal heat, the treatment should still adhere to the principle of “those who nourish Yin must seek Yin within Yang,” taking advantage of the “Yang generates Yin” principle. Treatment should focus on benefiting the kidneys and cultivating the root, harmonizing Yin and Yang. Commonly used herbs include Sheng and Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Mai Dong, Nu Zhen Zi, Mo Han Lian, Xian Mao (Curculigo), Xian Ling Pi (Epimedium), Gan Qi Zi (Lycium), and Ji Xue Teng.
Complementary Advantages of TCM and Western Medicine
Currently, Western medicine treats Sjögren’s syndrome mainly through symptomatic treatment, alleviating patient symptoms, preventing disease progression, and prolonging patient survival. For dry eyes, artificial tears are used; for significant organ damage, glucocorticoids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxychloroquine are actively administered to control the condition. The immediate and short-term efficacy of Western medicine is evident, which TCM cannot match; however, Western drugs also have many adverse reactions, such as osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, and increased risk of infection with long-term use of glucocorticoids; blood cell reduction, skin reactions, and ocular reactions with hydroxychloroquine. After reducing or stopping medication, symptoms often rebound, and efficacy decreases due to drug resistance. TCM, on the other hand, has a slower onset but offers long-term medication with good long-term efficacy and minimal or no adverse reactions. How to combine the advantages of both TCM and Western medicine for more effective treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome is a topic that requires long-term exploration in clinical practice.
As early as 1962, Zhu Liangchun proposed that TCM differentiation should be combined with Western disease differentiation, believing that macro differentiation and micro disease differentiation should not be mechanically added together but should be organically combined to re-establish the body’s “Yin-Yang balance”. The integration of TCM and Western medicine is not simply adding Chinese medicine to Western medicine, but rather a mutual cooperation that complements each other’s strengths.
Mutual Cooperation
For example, in cases of significant dry eye symptoms, short-term use of artificial tears can quickly alleviate the condition, while long-term efficacy can be achieved through TCM treatment.
Reducing the Toxic Side Effects of Western Medicine
For instance, if liver function damage, kidney function damage, or blood cell reduction occurs during Western treatment, adding TCM can quickly alleviate these toxic side effects.
Assisting in Reducing or Stopping Western Medicine
Preventing symptom rebound after reducing or stopping Western medicine. After continuous TCM treatment for a period, it can assist in the reduction or cessation of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, etc., and even gradually stop Western medicine while maintaining stable condition. Of course, how to reduce or stop Western medicine and when to do so should be tailored to the individual and the symptoms, and should not be done hastily to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Case Examples01Case One
Jiang, male, 61 years old, from Yangzhou, first diagnosed on April 3, 2010, with dry mouth and eyes, swollen parotid glands, and joint pain for over two years. Since 2008, he experienced dry eyes, dry mouth, swollen eyelids, swollen parotid glands, and multiple joint pains, with no tears and little saliva. In October 2009, he was diagnosed with “Sjögren’s syndrome, left parotitis, and left eye inflammatory pseudotumor” at the Longhua Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Current Diagnosis:Dry mouth and eyes, swollen left parotid gland, pain in finger joints, shoulders, wrists, and elbows, no tears, little saliva, normal appetite, normal bowel movements, red tongue with thin greasy coating and little moisture, thin and wiry pulse. This indicates excessive dryness evil, long-standing toxin accumulation, Yin injury, and obstruction of the meridians. The treatment plan is to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, clear heat, detoxify, and unblock the meridians.
Prescription:Chuan Shi Hu (Dendrobium) 30g, Xuan Shen (Scrophularia) 15g, Sheng Di Huang 30g, Pu Gong Ying 30g, Chuan Shan Long 50g, Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal) 12g, Zhi Shou Gong (Euphorbia) 15g, Shan Ci Gu (Bletilla) 30g, Chao Chi Shao 20g, Bai Shao 20g, Zhi Jiang Can (Silkworm) 20g, Gan Zhong Huang (Honey) 15g, Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) 20g, Lian Qiao (Forsythia) 20g. Concentrated Yishen Juanbi Pill, 4g per dose, 3 times a day. Jinlong Capsule, 1g per dose, 3 times a day.
May 15, 2010, Second Diagnosis:After taking 40 doses, swelling of the upper eyelids and left parotid gland gradually subsided, joint pain was intermittent, requiring 1 Meloxicam daily. Dry mouth, tastelessness, and bowel movements twice a day, red tongue with purple coating and thin greasy coating, pulse deep and thin. The prescription was adjusted to add Cardamom (post-preparation) 6g. Concentrated Yishen Juanbi Pill, 4g per dose, 3 times a day. Jinlong Capsule, 1g per dose, 3 times a day.
Subsequent treatment followed the original method, with adjustments based on symptoms. By September 0, the patient was seen in person, with swelling of the parotid gland and eyelids resolved, significant improvement in dry mouth and eyes, normal appetite and bowel movements, and the patient was very pleased. Follow-up via phone has shown stable condition, with consolidation using the Yishen Juanbi Capsule.
Note:Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. In treating such diseases, Zhu Liangchun not only uses differentiation-based medication but also emphasizes modern pharmacology. Regardless of the type, he often adds large amounts of medications that stimulate the pituitary-adrenal/gonadal/thyroid systems, enhance immune function, and increase cell vitality, with Chuan Shan Long being a representative. Chuan Shan Long, first recorded in “Bencao Gangmu Shiyi”, is noted in “Zhonghua Bencao” for its ability to dispel wind and dampness, invigorate blood, and unblock the meridians, treating rheumatic pain, chest pain, fatigue, and injuries. It is bitter and neutral, entering the lung, liver, and spleen meridians. Zhu Liangchun has clinically found that this herb not only dispels wind and dampness, unblocks blood vessels, and alleviates pain, but its ability to support the body is particularly significant. It contains effective components similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can regulate immune function, and enhance physical strength. Therefore, Zhu Liangchun believes it can be used in all diseases with immune deficiencies, and the dosage should be large for efficacy. He also points out that using this herb alone generally yields average results, and it should be combined with herbs like Dang Gui, Di Huang, and Xian Ling Pi to significantly enhance immune regulation.
02Case Two
Li, female, 60 years old, from Shanghai, first diagnosed on November 13, 2010, with widespread joint pain and dry mouth and eyes for over ten years, with gradual tooth loss. Dry mouth and eyes, difficulty swallowing dry food, blurred vision. In 2005, she was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and had been taking 1 tablet of prednisone, 1 tablet of leflunomide, and 1 tablet of hydroxychloroquine daily. On January 25, 2010, a CT scan showed low-density shadows in the left femoral head, and a chest CT showed interstitial pneumonia. Current diagnosis: widespread joint pain, dry mouth and eyes, blurred vision, skin thin as a cicada’s wing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, easily fatigued, cough with little phlegm, normal appetite and bowel movements, purplish tongue with white greasy coating and thin pulse. The treatment plan is to nourish Yin, replenish the lungs, invigorate blood, resolve phlegm, and unblock the meridians.
Prescription:Chuan Shan Long 50g, Sheng Huang Qi 30g, Jin Qiao Mai (Buckwheat) 50g, Jin Fei Cao (Hibiscus) 20g, He Huan Pi (Mimosa) 20g, Chuan Bai He (Lily) 30g, Shan Zhu Yu 30g, Pao Shan Jia (Pangolin) 6g (to be swallowed), Zhi Feng Fang (Beehive) 10g, Zhi Jiang Can 10g, Ji Xue Teng 30g, Dan Shen (Salvia) 15g, Sheng Di Huang 15g, Shu Di Huang 15g, Gou Qi Zi 15g, Ju Hua 15g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g, 30 doses. Concentrated Yishen Juanbi Pill, 4g per dose, 3 times a day. Fu Zheng Juanbi Capsule, 4 capsules per dose, 3 times a day.
December 2, Second Diagnosis:Follow-up call: joint pain has eased, chest tightness and shortness of breath, dry mouth and eyes, during which there was an external cold, still coughing with yellow and white phlegm. The prescription was adjusted to remove Shu Di Huang and add Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark) 20g and Da Bei Mu (Fritillaria) 20g. 30 doses. Concentrated Yishen Juanbi Pill, 4g per dose, 3 times a day. Fu Zheng Juanbi Capsule, 4 capsules per dose, 3 times a day.
February 10, Third Diagnosis:Follow-up call: dry mouth and eyes have improved but not resolved, cough has subsided, and the patient has independently stopped taking prednisone for a month without worsening symptoms. Treatment continues as originally intended, maintaining TCM treatment.
Note:Interstitial pneumonia is a common complication of Sjögren’s syndrome. Western medicine generally controls the condition with glucocorticoids. Clinically, many patients experience good efficacy initially, but once the dosage is reduced or stopped, symptoms may worsen or rebound, severely affecting quality of life. Interstitial pneumonia falls under the TCM categories of “cough and asthma” and “lung distension”. Zhu Liangchun believes that while this condition has mixed deficiency and excess, it should always be treated from the perspective of phlegm and stasis, focusing on clearing the lungs, resolving phlegm, and invigorating blood to unblock the meridians. In addition to using Chuan Shan Long, he also frequently employs insect-based medicines such as beehive, silkworm, pangolin, leech, and earthworm. He believes that insect-based medicines can penetrate and eliminate evils, disperse stasis, and resolve masses in ways that ordinary herbal medicines cannot. They not only relax the airways, expand lung meridians, improve circulation, and promote inflammation absorption, but also contain rich nutrients such as proteins and trace elements, achieving a dual effect of attacking and tonifying.
The incidence of Sjögren’s syndrome has been increasing in recent years. TCM, through a holistic approach and differentiation-based treatment, has significant advantages in enhancing efficacy, reducing toxicity, improving patient quality of life, and reducing recurrence. However, it also faces several challenges: first, the methods of differentiation and classification, clinical diagnosis, and efficacy standards are not yet unified, lacking evidence-based medical support; second, reports mainly consist of efficacy observations and experiential summaries, with few clinical and experimental studies conducted. Therefore, establishing scientific and reasonable differentiation and efficacy standards, conducting rigorous research designs, and combining animal experiments with clinical studies will help better evaluate, summarize, and improve the efficacy of TCM in treating Sjögren’s syndrome, further screening effective medicines and formulas for clinical application and promotion, benefiting a large number of Sjögren’s syndrome patients, reducing medication use, and minimizing recurrence.
Important Statement:
Due to individual differences in constitution and condition, the prescriptions and dosages in this case are only applicable to the specific patient at that time. Without TCM differentiation and diagnosis, do not replicate the prescriptions and dosages in this case. Readers in need should seek treatment at a regular hospital to avoid delaying their condition. ■
【Content compiled from: “China Traditional Chinese Medicine News”, October 1, 2020, Fourth Edition, Author: Zhu Jianping, Clinical Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong City】