Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang Treatment for Children Aged 4-15 with Tourette Syndrome Using Brain Imaging and Biological Markers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying children with Tourette Syndrome TS to understand how the herbal treatment Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang may affect symptoms and brain function. The study focuses on examining changes in gut bacteria, blood stress hormones, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, neurotransmitters, and hair cortisol levels before and after treatment. Brain activity is measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS to explore how the treatment may influence brain function related to tics. Researchers also assess tic severity using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale and a Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom score sheet specific to pediatric TS. Participants receive Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang, which is prepared by boiling a combination of specific herbs including Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, and others in multiple steps to create the decoction. The treatment is given over a one-month period. Before and after this treatment, various biological samples and measurements are taken to observe changes in gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids in feces, stress hormones, oxidative markers, cytokines, and neurotransmitters. The study is designed as a single-group interventional trial. During this one-month study period, children undergo brain scans using fNIRS and complete questionnaires to evaluate symptoms and treatment effects. Researchers collect and analyze biological samples to understand the treatments impact on physiological markers related to TS. The primary outcomes focus on brain function activation and changes in gut microbiota and biochemical markers from enrollment through the end of treatment. Continuous monitoring of symptoms and biological changes helps clarify the treatments potential mechanisms and effects.

Study on the Mechanism of Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang in Alleviating Tourette Syndrome Via Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and the DA-MAPK-BDNF Pathway