Abstract
Objective
This review systematically examines the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), focusing on its role in immunomodulation, inflammation reduction, and symptom relief. It also explores how TCM’s personalized strategies align with modern precision medicine concepts.
Methods
We analyzed literature from PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese medical databases (2017–2025), using keywords such as "Sjögren’s syndrome and Traditional Chinese Medicine," "acupuncture and autoimmune diseases," and related terms. Evidence was synthesized from clinical trials, observational studies, and mechanistic research.
Results
TCM demonstrates significant potential in SS management through immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Herbal formulations modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, while acupuncture alleviates symptoms via neuromodulation and anti-inflammatory pathways. Modern technologies like AI and multi-omics enhance TCM’s precision, and integration with Western medicine offers comprehensive treatment strategies.
Conclusion
Integrating TCM into SS care provides a promising complementary approach, leveraging personalized treatments that address both symptoms and pathophysiology. However, standardization and rigorous validation are still needed. Future efforts should focus on developing standardized protocols and conducting high-quality clinical trials to establish evidence-based integrative guidelines.
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