shuanghuanglian

Shuanghuanglian (SHL) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation widely utilized in China for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURI), acute bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is a botanical formulation composed of three primary herbs: *Lonicera japonica* (honeysuckle), *Scutellaria baicalensis* (Chinese skullcap), and *Forsythia suspensa*. The preparation is standardized to key bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, baicalin, and forsythin. SHL demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities; network pharmacology has identified targets including estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), androgen receptor (AR), and nuclear receptor coactivators (NCOA1, NCOA2). Additionally, its components baicalin and baicalein have been characterized as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro). It is typically administered as an oral liquid and frequently serves as an active comparator in clinical trials evaluating new TCM treatments for respiratory conditions.

Brand names

Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid

Other names

Shuang Huang Lian