OBJECTIVE To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy of Qingchi San in the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis.

METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 ulcerative colitis patients treated at the Gastroenterology Department of First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2014 to February 2024. Participants were divided into an observation group (n=121) and a control group (n=100). The control group received oral mesalazine, while the observation group received Qingchi San enema in addition to the control group's treatment. Both groups received a 4-week course of treatment. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical efficacy, clinical remission rate, TCM syndrome score, time to intestinal bleeding remission, and changes in inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cells) and coagulation markers (platelets and D-dimer).

RESULTS After treatment, the total effective rate and clinical remission rate in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The TCM syndrome scores for each item (diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools with mucus, and tenesmus) in the observation group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group (P < 0.01). The time to intestinal bleeding remission in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.01). C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count in the observation group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in coagulation markers (platelets and D-dimer) between the two groups (P>0.05). No significant treatment-related adverse reactions, such as liver and kidney damage, were observed during treatment.

CONCLUSION Qingchi San enema can improve the clinical efficacy of patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, improve clinical symptoms, shorten bleeding time, and reduce inflammatory markers.