OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Jinshuibao capsules in the treatment of silicosis.

METHODSA total of 270 patients with silicosis were randomly divided into treatment group (n = 141) and control group (n = 129). Both groups received conventional therapy. Additionally, the patients in the treatment group took 3 Jinshuibao capsules three times day for 2-3 courses of treatment (each course = 6 weeks). The therapeutic efficacy and the changes in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)) levels were observed after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, cough, expectoration, chest pain, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms were relieved significantly (P < 0.05). The treatment group showed significantly lower TNF-α and TGF-β(1) levels than before treatment and the control group (P < 0.05) and significantly higher forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and maximum mid-expiratory flow than before treatment and the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONJinshuibao capsules can decrease inflammatory response, increase vital capacity and maximum voluntary ventilation, reduce airflow limitation, and improve quality of life and thus have good therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of silicosis.