Efficacy and Safety of Ayurvedic Interventions in Female Infertility

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions for female infertility through analyzing trial data. Materials and methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCT (NRCT), randomized/nonrandomized placebo control trials, quasi-RCTs (QRCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), parallel arm comparative trials, and multiple arms clinical trials would be conducted through electronic search of the following databases: PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library [the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, digital helpline for ayurveda research articles (DHARA), the Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), and the Cochrane methodology register] without any restriction of the publication year. Hand search, snowballing of studies will also be performed to fetch the complete literature. The selection of the studies, data abstraction, and validations will be performed independently by two teams of reviewers. Conclusion will be derived with the consensus of complete review team. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. If sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Discussion: This review will help to develop strategies for the management of female infertility using Ayurveda intervention with support from evidence compiled from various clinical studies in this area. Dissemination: The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print. The review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy. Trial registration number: PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019139503.