OVERVIEW OF THE EFFICACY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) DURING THE STABLE PHASE

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in Vietnam. In addition to conventional therapy, traditional medicine has been increasingly recognized as a complementary therapy. This narrative review clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of traditional medicine in treating stable COPD, based on studies published between 2010 and mid-2026. The findings indicate that combining traditional herbal formulas with standard conventional therapy can improve clinical symptoms, quality-of-life scores. Some studies also report benefits in pulmonary function and a reduction in moderate-to-severe exacerbations. Non-pharmacological modalitiesdemonstrate supportive effects on symptoms, respiratory function and psychological status. The overall safety profile is favorable, with mostly mild adverse events. Nevertheless, many studies are limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up, insufficient mechanistic evaluation and heterogeneity in traditional syndrome patterns. Larger, rigorously designed multicenter trials are needed to standardize and further validate the role of traditional medicine in clinical practice.