Efficacy and Safety of Zhengan Xifeng Decoction Combined with Western Medicine in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) poses a significant social burden. Zhengan Xifeng Decoction has been widely used in the treatment of PD. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhengan Xifeng Decoction combined with Western medicine in the treatment of PD. Methods: Five independent databases were searched for clinical randomized controlled trials on Zhengan Xifeng Decoction combined with Western medicine for the treatment of PD. The risk of bias and quality of the included studies were assessed, followed by a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 21 studies, including 1678 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The results suggested that the combination of Zhengan Xifeng Decoction and Western medicine demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of PD [OR = 6.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] (4.70, 8.60), Z = 11.99 (P < 0.00001)] and reduced Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores [mean difference (MD) = -5.50, 95% CI (-6.93, -4.08)]; UPDRS I, II, III scores [MD = -4.87, 95% CI (-7.27, -2.47)]; UPDRS II, III scores [MD = -7.18, 95% CI (-15.71, -1.35)]; UPDRS I scores [MD = -0.15, 95% CI (-0.27, -0.03)]; UPDRS II scores [MD = -1.62, 95% CI (-2.42, -0.82)]; UPDRS III scores [MD = -2.14, 95% CI (-3.91, 0.38)]; and UPDRS IV scores [MD = -0.40, 95% CI (-0.79, -0.01)]. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Zhengan Xifeng Decoction combined with Western medicine demonstrates improved clinical efficacy in the treatment of PD, and patients tolerate adverse events well.