A patent titled "Application of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Composition in the Preparation of Antiviral Drugs Against the S Protein D614G Mutant Strain of COVID-19" has been published, with Rhodiola Rosea listed as one of the important components of the traditional Chinese medicine composition.

This invention discloses an application of a traditional Chinese medicine composition in the preparation of drugs against the S protein D614G mutant strain of COVID-19. The composition mainly consists of Rhodiola Rosea, Forsythia, Honeysuckle, Isatis root, Rhubarb, Patchouli, and others, leveraging the synergistic advantages of the compound traditional Chinese medicine to eliminate pathogenic factors, alleviate symptoms, and modulate immunity in an integrated manner to achieve multi-target treatment. Cell and animal experiments have demonstrated that this medicinal composition has significant efficacy against the S protein D614G mutant strain of COVID-19.

The published patent reaffirms the significant efficacy of Rhodiola Rosea glycosides as a traditional Chinese medicine essence in regulating human physiological functions, enhancing immunity, and combating viral infections.

Wang Xinhua, former president of Guangzhou Medical University and head of the Guangzhou COVID-19 Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Expert Group, published an academic article in the "China Traditional Chinese Medicine Journal" titled "Combining Disease Differentiation and Syndrome Differentiation in the Prevention and Treatment of Epizootics—Using Lianhua Qingwen as an Example to Interpret the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Preventing and Treating COVID-19." He further demonstrated that the Lianhua Qingwen formula, which is one of the "three medicines and three prescriptions" used during the epidemic prevention, is based on the modified Mahuang Xingren Shigan Decoction and Yinqiao San. The Rhodiola Rosea in its composition invigorates qi and promotes blood circulation, effectively treating "high fever, body heat, and evil qi," clearing heat and resolving stasis. Modern research has confirmed its ability to improve immune function and hypoxia tolerance, protect pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, making it particularly suitable for COVID-19 patients experiencing chest tightness, shortness of breath, and lung tissue damage.

Modern medicine widely recognizes that Rhodiola Rosea and its active ingredient, salidroside, possess various therapeutic effects, including anti-hypoxia, anti-fatigue, anti-thrombosis, cardiovascular and nervous system protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. They can be applied in the research of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer.

Research institutions have discovered through studies on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of salidroside that they can intervene in the secretion of inflammatory mediators, differentiation of immune cells, and other signaling pathways, significantly regulating conditions like cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, salidroside can be widely utilized in food, health products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Advanced technology has provided new development opportunities for traditional Chinese medicine. In the battle against the pandemic and the comprehensive resumption of work and production, traditional Chinese medicine has played a significant supportive role.