Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played an important role in treating novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, an official said Tuesday.

Li Yu, an official with the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, made the remarks at a press conference on China's epidemic response.

In particular, he praised the role of three Chinese patent medicines and three TCM prescriptions that have been clinically proven effective for COVID-19 treatment.

Two of the three medicines are known as Jinhua Qinggan granules and Lianhua Qingwen capsules (granules), of which the recommended use is detailed in China's Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia.

Of the three TCM prescriptions, the best-known is called "lung cleansing and detoxifying decoction," which according to the protocol is suitable for patients with light, moderate or severe symptoms.