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Renal Failure Dec 2024Shenkang injection (SKI) has been widely used in China for many years for the treatment of kidney disease. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Shenkang injection (SKI) has been widely used in China for many years for the treatment of kidney disease. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of Shenkang injection for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI).
METHODS
A search was conducted across seven databases, encompassing data from the inception of each database through October 8, 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing SKI-treated AKI patients with control subjects were extracted. The main outcome measure was serum creatinine (SCr) levels. Secondary outcomes included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum cystatin C (CysC), 24-h urine protein (24 h-Upro) levels, APACHE II score and adverse reactions.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included eleven studies, and the analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, SKI significantly decreased SCr [WMD = -23.31, 95% CI (-28.06, -18.57); < 0.001]; BUN [WMD = -2.07, 95% CI (-2.56, -1.57); < 0.001]; CysC [WMD = -0.55, 95% CI (-0.78, -0.32), < 0.001]; 24-h urine protein [WMD = -0.43, 95% CI (-0.53, -0.34), < 0.001]; and the APACHE II score [WMD = -3.07, 95% CI (-3.67, -2.48), < 0.001]. There was no difference in adverse reactions between the SKI group and the control group [RR = 1.32, 95% CI (0.66, 2.63), = 0.431].
CONCLUSION
The use of SKI in AKI patients may reduce SCr, BUN, CysC, 24-h Upro levels, and APACHE II scores in AKI patients. The incidence of adverse reactions did not differ from that in the control group. Additional rigorous clinical trials will be necessary in the future to thoroughly evaluate and establish the effectiveness of SKI in the treatment of AKI.
Topics: Humans; Acute Kidney Injury; APACHE; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Creatinine; Cystatin C; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Injections; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38655870
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2024.2338566 -
Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi... Dec 2023Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a plant species known for its rich pharmacological and phytochemical properties. This systematic review aims to...
Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a plant species known for its rich pharmacological and phytochemical properties. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential of Madagascar periwinkle as a dietary supplement. A thorough search of relevant databases yielded studies focusing on the pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of Madagascar periwinkle. The review highlights the diverse pharmacological effects of Madagascar periwinkle, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, among others. Furthermore, the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, which contribute to its medicinal properties. Despite the promising findings, further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action, safety profile, and potential interactions of Madagascar periwinkle as a dietary supplement. Overall, this systematic review provides valuable insights into the pharmacological and phytochemical profiles of Madagascar periwinkle, suggesting its potential as a natural dietary supplement with diverse health benefits.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Phytochemicals; Catharanthus; Plant Extracts; Humans; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Flavonoids; Anti-Infective Agents; Hypoglycemic Agents; Madagascar
PubMed: 38651238
DOI: 10.62958/j.cjap.2023.002 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2024Traditional Chinese medicine injection for Activating Blood Circulation (TCMi-ABC), which exhibits comparable anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects, is commonly used as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Traditional chinese medicine injections with activating blood circulation, equivalent effect of anticoagulation or antiplatelet, for acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
BACKGROUND
Traditional Chinese medicine injection for Activating Blood Circulation (TCMi-ABC), which exhibits comparable anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects, is commonly used as an adjuvant treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in China.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of TCMi-ABC in combination with conventional western medicine in reducing mortality associated with AMI.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of TCMi-ABC (including Danhong injection, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate injection, salvia miltiorrhiza ligupyrazine injection, and puerarin injection) for the treatment of AMI were included. The search included studies published from the inception of the databases up to December 2022. Two authors independently screened RCTs, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
A total of 52 RCTs involving 5363 patients were included in the analysis, none of which described independent testing of the purity or potency of the TCMi-ABC product used. 19/52 reported random sequence generation. All RCTs lack adequate description of allocation concealment. 51/52 failed to assess blinding. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that the combined application of TCMi-ABC, compared with conventional western medicine treatment alone, significantly reduced in-hospital mortality in AMI patients [RR= 0.41, 95% CI (0.29, 0.59), P < 0.05], decreased the incidence of malignant arrhythmia [RR= 0.40, 95% CI (0.26, 0.61), P < 0.05], and increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD= 5.53, 95% CI (3.81, 7.26), P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (P > 0.05). The GRADE evidence quality classification indicated that the evidence for in-hospital mortality, malignant arrhythmia, and adverse events was of moderate quality, while the evidence for LVEF was of low quality.
CONCLUSION
TCMi-ABC demonstrates additional clinical value in reducing mortality and the risk of malignant arrhythmia in patients with AMI. However, further validation of these findings is warranted through high-quality clinical trials due to methodological weaknesses in randomization, blinding, allocation concealment, and insufficient assessing for the purity/potency of herbs and the gram amount of active constituents.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[INPLASY], identifier [INPLASY202170082].
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Blood Circulation; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Injections; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Myocardial Infarction; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38616000
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103039 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Herbal medicines are used by patients with IBD despite limited evidence. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Herbal medicines are used by patients with IBD despite limited evidence. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating treatment with herbal medicines in active ulcerative colitis (UC). A search query designed by a library informationist was used to identify potential articles for inclusion. Articles were screened and data were extracted by at least two investigators. Outcomes of interest included clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and safety. We identified 28 RCTs for 18 herbs. In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26). There was a significantly higher rate of clinical remission for CL (RR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18-5.63), but not for AP (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.86-2.01). Higher rates of endoscopic response (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26) and remission (RR 19.37, 95% CI 2.71-138.42) were significant for CL. CL has evidence supporting its use as an adjuvant therapy in active UC. Research with larger scale and well-designed RCTs, manufacturing regulations, and education are needed.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Plants, Medicinal; Plant Extracts; Combined Modality Therapy; Commerce
PubMed: 38612967
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070934 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jul 2024Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) results in reduced fertility. Kuntai capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, which can nourish the heart and kidneys, has shown promising... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) results in reduced fertility. Kuntai capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, which can nourish the heart and kidneys, has shown promising efficacy in its treatment. However, there is no enough clinical evidence to confirm the efficacy and safety of Kuntai capsule.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This review aims to evaluate Kuntai capsule's potential benefits and detriments for diminished ovarian reserve.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Databases namely China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG Database, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched from their inception to July 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Kuntai capsule to hormone therapy (HT) and Kuntai capsule in combination with HT to HT alone for DOR treatment. The risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 1.0. A Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. The primary outcomes were antral follicle count (AFC) and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), secondary outcomes were follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and adverse reactions.
RESULTS
A Meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), encompassing a total of 905 DOR patients was conducted. The results indicated that the combination of Kuntai capsule with HT exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing AFC (MD = 1.34, 95% CI [0.96,1.72]) and AMH levels (MD = 1.09 (ng/mL) 95% CI[0.80,1.38]), Kuntai capsule demonstrated improvements in AFC (MD = 0.65, 95% CI [0.48,0.83]) in DOR patients compared to HT alone.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the available results, the combination of Kuntai capsule with HT appears to improve the AFC, AMH and FSH levels of DOR patients. Kuntai capsule alone appears to improve the AFC and FSH levels of DOR patients. However, included trials had methodological quality issues, further standardized research is required.
Topics: Humans; Female; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ovarian Reserve; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Infertility, Female
PubMed: 38593964
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118167 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Apr 2024Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) injection has been widely used as adjunctive therapy for pulmonary heart disease (PHD) in China. Nevertheless, the efficacy of STS... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) injection has been widely used as adjunctive therapy for pulmonary heart disease (PHD) in China. Nevertheless, the efficacy of STS injection has not been systematically evaluated so far. Hence, the efficacy of STS injection as adjunctive therapy for PHD was explored in this study.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened from China Science and Technology Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, PubMed, Sino-Med, Google Scholar, Medline, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, Embase and Chinese Science Citation Database until 20 January 2024. Literature searching, data collection and quality assessment were independently performed by two investigators. The extracted data was analyzed with RevMan 5.4 and STATA 14.0. Basing on the methodological quality, dosage of STS injection, control group measures and intervention time, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed.
RESULTS
19 RCTs with 1739 patients were included in this study. Results showed that as adjunctive therapy, STS injection combined with Western medicine showed better therapeutic efficacy than Western medicine alone for PHD by increasing the clinical effective rate (RR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.27; p < 0.001), partial pressure of oxygen (MD = 10.16; 95% CI, 5.07 to 15.24; p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (MD = 8.66; 95% CI, 6.14 to 11.18; p < 0.001) and stroke volume (MD = 13.10; 95% CI, 11.83 to 14.38; p < 0.001), meanwhile decreasing the low shear blood viscosity (MD = -1.16; 95% CI, -1.57 to -0.74; p < 0.001), high shear blood viscosity (MD = -0.64; 95% CI, -0.86 to -0.42; p < 0.001), plasma viscosity (MD = -0.23; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.17; p < 0.001), hematokrit (MD = -8.52; 95% CI, -11.06 to -5.98; p < 0.001), fibrinogen (MD = -0.62; 95% CI, -0.87 to -0.37; p < 0.001) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (MD = -8.56; 95% CI, -12.09 to -5.02; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
STS injection as adjunctive therapy seemed to be more effective than Western medicine alone for PHD. However, due to low quality of the included RCTs, more well-designed RCTs were necessary to verify the efficacy of STS injection.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Heart Disease; Injections; Phenanthrenes; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38580972
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04434-0 -
Nutrients Mar 2024This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles published up to December 2023. In total, 3145 publications were reviewed and 16 of them were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were applied for statistical analyses. The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.04; = 0.02) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.14; = 0.01) with cranberry consumption. However, it did not influence total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. In subgroup analysis, cranberry consumption in dried form (capsules, powder, and tablets) was found to significantly decrease the fasting insulin level (three studies, one hundred sixty-five participants, MD = -2.16; 95% CI: -4.24, -0.07; = 0.04), while intervention duration, health conditions, and dosage of polyphenols and anthocyanins had no impact on blood lipid and glycemic parameters. In summary, cranberry might have potential benefits in regulating lipid and glucose profiles.
Topics: Humans; Anthocyanins; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol, HDL; Insulin; Lipids; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides; Vaccinium macrocarpon
PubMed: 38542695
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060782 -
Chinese herbal medicine for post-viral fatigue: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.PloS One 2024Fatigue is a common symptom after viral infection. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is thought to be a potential effective intervention in relieving fatigue. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a common symptom after viral infection. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is thought to be a potential effective intervention in relieving fatigue.
PURPOSE
To assess the effectiveness and safety of CHM for the treatment of post-viral fatigue.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
The protocol of this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022380356). Trials reported changes of fatigue symptom, which compared CHM to no treatment, placebo or drugs, were included. Six electronic databases and three clinical trial registration platforms were searched from inception to November 2023. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk bias assessment were independently carried out by two reviewers. Quality of the included trials was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4, mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for estimate effect of continuous data. Heterogeneity among trials was assessed through I2 value.
RESULTS
Overall, nineteen studies with 1921 patients were included. Results of individual trial or meta-analysis showed that CHM was better than no treatment (MD = -0.80 scores, 95%CI -1.43 to -0.17 scores, P = 0.01, 60 participants, 1 trial), placebo (MD = -1.90 scores, 95%CI -2.38 to -1.42 scores, P<0.00001, 184 participants, 1 trial), placebo on basis of rehabilitation therapy (MD = -14.90 scores, 95%CI -24.53 to -5.27 scores, P = 0.02, 118 participants, 1 trial) or drugs (MD = -0.38 scores, 95%CI -0.48 to -0.27 scores, I2 = 0%, P<0.00001, 498 participants, 4 trials) on relieving fatigue symptoms assessing by Traditional Chinese Medicine fatigue scores. Trials compared CHM plus drugs to drugs alone also showed better effect of combination therapy (average MD = -0.56 scores). In addition, CHM may improve the percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes and reduce the level of serum IL-6 (MD = -14.64 scores, 95%CI 18.36 to -10.91 scores, I2 = 0%, P<0.00001, 146 participants, 2 trials).
CONCLUSION
Current systematic review found that the participation of CHM can improve the symptoms of post-viral fatigue and some immune indicators. However, the safety of CHM remains unknown and large sample, high quality multicenter RCTs are still needed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fatigue; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38512808
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300896 -
Medicine Mar 2024The efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao Pill combined with Western medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia are still inconclusive. This meta-analysis summarized relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao Pill combined with Western medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia are still inconclusive. This meta-analysis summarized relevant studies to compare the efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao Pill combined with Western medicine and Western medicine alone in the treatment of schizophrenia, aiming to provide guidance for clinical treatment.
METHODS
In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP, and CBM databases from the establishment of the databases to August 2023. The study proposed to include studies that reported combination of Xiaoyao Pill with Western medicine and Western medicine alone in the treatment of schizophrenia, excluding published literature, unpublished literature, literature with incomplete or inadequate information, animal experiments, literature reviews and systematic studies. Data were analyzed using Review manager 5.3.
RESULTS
About 9 studies (6 RCTs and 3 case-control studies) were included in this meta-analysis. The sample size ranged from 60 to 128, with a total of 779 patients, including 395 in the combined treatment group and 384 in the control group. Pooled results showed that the total effective rate of combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of Western medicine alone (OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 1.50-11.83, P = .006). Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) (-) (MD = -2.30, 95% CI: -3.72 ~ -0.89, P = .001) and PANSS (+) (MD = -2.60, 95% CI: -3.34 ~ -1.86, P < .00001) of combined treatment group were all significantly lower than that of Western medicine alone. Additionally, PRL levels of combined treatment group was significantly lower than that of Western medicine alone (MD = -28.78, 95% CI: -42.20 ~ -15.35, P < .0001). However, there was no significant difference in BPRS and total PANSS between combined treatment group and Western medicine alone group. Notably, pooled results showed that there was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events between combined treatment group and Western medicine alone group.
CONCLUSION
The effective rate of Xiaoyao Pill combined with Western medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia is higher than that of Western medicine alone, which can effectively relieve the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and can significantly reduce the level of PRL. In the treatment of schizophrenia, clinicians can give priority to Xiaoyao Pill combined with Western medicine therapy.
Topics: Humans; Schizophrenia; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38457544
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037226 -
BMJ Global Health Mar 2024Lack of transparent communication between patients and physicians regarding the use of herbal medicine (HM) presents a major public health challenge, as inappropriate HM... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Lack of transparent communication between patients and physicians regarding the use of herbal medicine (HM) presents a major public health challenge, as inappropriate HM use poses health risks. Considering the widespread use of HM and the risk of adverse events, it is crucial for pregnant women to openly discuss their HM use with healthcare providers. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of pregnant women's HM use and disclosure to healthcare providers and to examine the relationship between HM disclosure and various maternal and child health (MCH) measures.
METHODS
A systematic search of five databases was conducted for cross-sectional studies on HM use during pregnancy published from 2000 to 2023. Data extraction followed a standardised approach, and Stata V.16.0 was used for data analysis. Also, Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the association between use and disclosure of HM and various MCH indicators.
RESULTS
This review included 111 studies across 51 countries on the use of HM among pregnant women. Our findings showed that 34.4% of women used HM during pregnancy, driven by the perception that HM is presumably safer and more natural than conventional medical therapies. However, only 27.9% of the HM users disclosed their use to healthcare providers because they considered HM as harmless and were not prompted by the healthcare providers to discuss their self-care practices. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between HM disclosure and improved MCH outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Inadequate communication between pregnant women and physicians on HM use highlights a deficiency in the quality of care that may be associated with unfavourable maternal outcomes. Thus, physician engagement in effective and unbiased communication about HM during antenatal care, along with evidence-based guidance on HM use, can help mitigate the potential risks associated with inappropriate HM use.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Communication; Cross-Sectional Studies; Physician-Patient Relations; Physicians; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38448037
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013412