Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in managing and preventing Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese military

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent among Chinese military personnel, with regional rates exceeding 40%, and is a well-established risk factor for gastric cancer. Addressing this infection is vital for improving soldiers' health and operational readiness while reducing the long-term healthcare burden. This commentary explores the feasibility and advantages of incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into strategies for managing and preventing H. pylori infections within the military. TCM offers a multi-target mechanism that not only combats bacterial infections but also enhances gastrointestinal health and boosts immunity, making it particularly effective in high-stress environments like the military. Unlike antibiotics, TCM is less likely to induce resistance even with large-scale use, providing a sustainable treatment option. Its affordability and cultural acceptance among Chinese personnel further enhance its feasibility. Additionally, TCM's history in military medicine supports its credibility, and its flexibility allows for personalized treatment tailored to individual soldiers' needs. TCM's convenient storage and deployment make it ideal for remote and challenging environments. Integrating TCM into military healthcare systems could provide a holistic, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to managing H. pylori infections, reducing prevalence and associated risks such as gastric cancer. Future research and pilot programs are essential to validate TCM's effectiveness and implementation in military settings.

Key Words: Traditional Chinese medicine; Helicobacter pylori; Infection; Chinese; Military

Core Tip: Integrating traditional Chinese medicine into military healthcare systems could provide a holistic, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to managing Helicobacter pylori infections, reducing prevalence and associated risks such as gastric cancer.

TO THE EDITOR

The study by Min et al[1] underscores the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among Chinese military personnel, with regional variations reaching as high as 44.3% in Lanzhou. Given the established link between chronic H. pylori infection and gastric cancer[2], a leading cause of cancer mortality, addressing this infection is critical not only for the health of military personnel but also for long-term cost-effectiveness in healthcare management. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its rich history and proven efficacy in treating a variety of diseases[3], offers a promising approach for addressing H. pylori infections. Rooted in centuries of clinical practice, TCM employs herbal formulations with multi-target mechanisms that not only combat pathogens but also restore balance to the body's internal systems, making it particularly suitable for both treatment and prevention in complex environments such as the military. This commentary explores the feasibility and potential advantages of incorporating TCM into the management and prevention of H. pylori infections in this unique population.

Superior efficacy and multi-target mechanisms of TCM

Recent studies have demonstrated that TCM offers effective antibacterial properties against H. pylori while simultaneously improving host physiological conditions through immune modulation[4,5]. Unlike antibiotics, which target single molecular pathways, TCM formulations often include multiple active compounds that act synergistically on various biological processes[6]. This multi-target approach is particularly advantageous in the military environment, where personnel face high levels of physical and psychological stress. Enhanced gastrointestinal health and immune function provided by TCM could play a dual role in treating existing infections and reducing susceptibility to future infections.

Reduced risk of antibiotic resistance in large-scale usage

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the treatment of H. pylori, particularly in large, densely populated groups such as military units[7]. By contrast, TCM, due to its complex formulations and broad-spectrum mechanisms, is less likely to induce microbial resistance even with widespread use. This attribute makes TCM a sustainable alternative for managing infections in military populations, mitigating one of the critical challenges of current antibiotic regimens.

Economic and logistical advantages

As noted in the study, military personnel require robust and scalable medical interventions. TCM offers a cost-effective solution compared to traditional antibiotic therapies. Its affordability and ease of access allow for long-term, large-scale application in military settings, ensuring consistent availability without significantly increasing healthcare budgets. Additionally, TCM's ability to provide preventive care alongside treatment may reduce the overall healthcare burden by minimizing the incidence of H. pylori-related complications.

High acceptance and adherence among Chinese populations

The psychological and cultural affinity of Chinese individuals toward TCM significantly enhances treatment adherence. As the study emphasizes the critical need for effective strategies tailored to military personnel, TCM's longstanding credibility in Chinese medical history strengthens its acceptance. Furthermore, its potential placebo effect may further boost clinical outcomes by leveraging the interplay of psychological and physiological healing processes, particularly in the high-pressure environment of military service.

Historical evidence and trust in TCM's role in military medicine

TCM has a rich history of application in the Chinese military, particularly in field medicine, where it has been employed to address gastrointestinal and other common ailments[8]. This historical precedent enhances the credibility of introducing TCM into modern strategies for managing H. pylori infections. Additionally, its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions aligns with the dynamic needs of military personnel stationed across varied geographic and climatic regions.

Potential for personalized treatment

Unlike the standardized approach of antibiotic therapies, TCM can be tailored to individual physiological conditions and specific symptoms[9,10]. Such personalization is particularly beneficial in military settings, where personnel may face diverse environmental challenges and health demands based on their assignments. Personalized TCM regimens could optimize therapeutic outcomes while maintaining a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.

Practicality in storage and deployment

Finally, TCM formulations, particularly herbal extracts and granules, are convenient to store and transport, making them ideal for large-scale deployment in remote or resource-limited military settings. This practicality ensures that treatment is readily available to all personnel, irrespective of their location.

Conclusion

Integrating TCM into the management and prevention of H. pylori infections in the Chinese military presents a promising avenue for addressing this prevalent health issue. By leveraging its multi-target mechanisms, reduced resistance risk, economic advantages, and high acceptance, TCM aligns well with the unique demands of military medicine. Moreover, its historical use in Chinese military healthcare and potential for personalized and preventive care underscore its strategic value. Future studies and pilot programs could further validate TCM's role in improving gastrointestinal health and overall readiness of military personnel.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank Wei-Fen Chen, Zong-Xiong Liu, Bryan Liu, and Ya-Qi Yang for their support.