Effects of huangqi and bear bile on recurrent parotitis in children: a new clinical approach.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine, bear bile capsule and Huangqi granule, on recurrent parotitis in children. METHODS: In this prospective, controlled, and randomized study, a total of 151 young children were divided into three groups: Group A included massaging the children's parotid region and melting vitamin C in their mouth daily; Group B included swallowing bear bile capsule and Huangqi granule daily; and Group C included massages and vitamin C as prescribed in Group A, and traditional Chinese medicine as prescribed in Group B. Children were treated individually for one month and then a follow-up study was conducted for 1 to 3.5 years. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Ridit analysis were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The recurrence rate decreased in every group, but was significantly more in Groups B and C when compared to Group A. The recurrences significantly decreased (P<0.01) in Group B and their recovery rate was as high as 63%, significantly better than those of the other groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Huangqi and bear bile could be a novel clinical approach for treating recurrent parotitis in children.