This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine theefficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal medicine (Shenlingcao oral liquid) for treatinglong COVID associated fatigue.
This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine the
efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal medicine (Shenlingcao oral liquid) for treating
long COVID associated fatigue. Our target population is adults (18-65 years old) with a
COVID-19 infection history and have moderate to severe fatigue symptom at least 4 weeks
after infection. The total sample size is 152. All participants will be randomly
attributed to treatment group or placebo group in 1:1 ratio. The treatment duration is
4-week, and the follow-up period is also 4 weeks. Shenlingcao oral solution has been
registered and marketed in mainland China, it is a safe product and pervious studies
suggested it has anti-fatigue function. The primary efficacy outcome is the change of
scores of Chalder fatigue scale (0-33 points) after 4-week treatment. The primary safety
outcome is the number of adverse events. This study will be conducted in Hong Kong
Baptist University Mr. & Mrs. Chan Hon Yin Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic and Good
Clinical Practice Centre.
Drug: Shenlingcao Oral Liquid
Shenlingcao oral liquid (200ml/bottle) is comprised of American Ginseng (Panacis
Quinquefolii Radix), Lucid Ganoderma (Ganoderma), Rose (Rosae Rugosae Flos) and fermented
Cordyceps powder.
Other Name: placebo of Shenlingcao Oral Liquid
Inclusion Criteria:
1. 18-65 years adults
2. Fulfill the long COVID diagnostic criteria by Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC)
3. Chalder fatigue scale (0-11) not less than 4
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Have any medical history that may cause fatigue before COVID-19 infection, which
include but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, dyspnea,
cognitive diseases, psychological diseases, chronic liver or renal diseases, cancer,
etc.
2. Must chronically taking medicines that may affect the study results.
3. Severe obesity (BMI not less than 45)
4. Alcoholism or drug abuse
5. Allergy to Chinese medicine
6. Pregnancy, or plan to be pregnant, or lactating women
Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic
Hong Kong, China
Investigator: ZhaoXiang Bian, PhD
Contact: (852)3411 2905
bzxiang@hkbu.edu.hk
Investigator: ZhaoXiang Bian, PhD
Not Provided