Safety Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of epilepsy by wind quenching and phlegm resolving: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Using wind-quenching and phlegm-resolving (WQPR) therapy for epilepsy has yielded beneficial results in various clinical studies. However, a comprehensive analysis of the WQPR approach to epilepsy has not yet conducted to date. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the WQPR method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for epilepsy. Eight databases, including The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and WanFang Database, were comprehensively searched to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the WQPR approach in epilepsy. Quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14.0 software. For the outcome indicators with the number of studies ≥ 10, funnel chart and Egger test were used to evaluate the bias, and the evidence quality was evaluated according to GRADEpro system. We included 19 randomized controlled trials with 1475 participants. Compared to the control group, the WQPR approach showed clinical efficacy for epilepsy (odds ratio = 3.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.19, 4.77], Z = 5.90, P < .00001), reduced seizure frequency (standardized mean differences = -1.24, 95% CI [-1.62, -0.85], Z = 6.26, P < .00001), shortened seizure duration (standardized mean differences = -2.07, 95% CI [-2.99, -1.14], Z = 4.39, P < .0001), improved patient's quality of life (mean difference = 2.60, 95% CI [2.16, 3.03], Z = 11.62, P < .00001), and ameliorated TCM syndromes (mean difference = -4.37, 95% CI [-6.19, -2.56], Z = 4.72, P < .00001). The reduced rate of adverse reactions (odds ratio = 0.56, 95% CI [0.37, 0.85], Z = 2.71, P = .007). WQPR therapy appears to be an effective and safe approach for treating epilepsy, increasing clinical efficacy, reducing seizures' frequency and duration, improving patients' quality of life, ameliorating TCM syndromes, and reducing adverse reaction rates.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in managing bone loss post-endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) kidney-tonifying methods in treating bone loss and osteoporosis following endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This research systematically searched 6 major medical electronic databases, initially identifying 986 articles, ultimately including 22 randomized controlled trials. These studies encompassed a total of 1579 patients and investigated the impact of TCM kidney-tonifying methods on lumbar spine bone density, lumbar spine bone density T-values, femoral neck bone density, clinical efficacy, and drug safety. The Cochrane quality scoring system was utilized to assess the quality of the literature, and data were synthesized using meta-analysis techniques. TCM kidney-tonifying methods significantly improved lumbar spine bone density (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.97) and lumbar spine bone density T-values (SMD = 1.012, 95% CI: 0.506-1.517). There was also a positive trend in enhancing femoral neck bone density (SMD = 0.645, 95% CI: 0.321-0.970). Although improvements in clinical efficacy did not reach statistical significance (relative risk [RR] = 1.122, 95% CI: 0.933-1.348), the studies indicated good safety of the treatment, with most studies reporting no significant adverse reactions. TCM kidney-tonifying methods may have a positive therapeutic effect on bone loss and osteoporosis following endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, demonstrating good tolerability and safety. Given the current evidence, it is recommended to include TCM kidney-tonifying methods as a complementary therapeutic approach in treatment protocols. Future research should further validate these findings and explore their application in different patient subgroups.

Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for heart failure management

Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for heart failure management

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine on psychological conditions among elderly patients with cancer: a scoping review.

Coping with cancer presents a multitude of challenges that encompass every aspect of a patient's life. These challenges not only strain the body but also weigh heavily on the mind, often culminating in profound psychological distress for cancer patients. The cumulative burden of these experiences can heighten the risk of developing psychiatric disorders, exacerbating the already daunting landscape of cancer care. Therefore, this study reviewed the available research with the aim of investigating the effects of traditional Chinese medicine on psychological conditions in elderly cancer patients. In this scoping review, we applied specific criteria to select studies that focused on elderly patients with cancer. We performed an extensive search across electronic databases, including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. In our investigation, we identified a total of 3870 articles related to the topic under review. Following a meticulous screening process that involved evaluating titles, abstracts, and full texts, we ultimately selected five articles deemed relevant for inclusion in this review. Among these articles, three were randomised studies, while the remaining two were review articles. The outcomes of our analysis revealed that herbal decoctions, nutritional counselling, Tai Chi and acupressure, can effectively improve various psychological outcomes in elderly cancer patients. These interventions reduce fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress, while also enhancing sleep quality and overall mental health. The present study highlights the importance of traditional Chinese medicine in addressing the needs of elderly patients with cancer. As a result, it is recommended that further extensive research be conducted to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in managing cancer in the elderly.

Advanced Application of Polymer Nanocarriers in Delivery of Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Active ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been a cornerstone of healthcare for millennia, offering a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. However, the clinical application of TCMs is often limited by challenges such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and variable pharmacokinetics. To address these issues, the development of advanced polymer nanocarriers has emerged as a promising strategy for the delivery of TCMs. This review focuses on the introduction of common active ingredients from TCMs and the recent advancements in the design and application of polymer nanocarriers for enhancing the efficacy and safety of TCMs. We begin by discussing the unique properties of TCMs and the inherent challenges associated with their delivery. We then delve into the types of polymeric nanocarriers, including polymer micelles, polymer vesicles, polymer hydrogels, and polymer drug conjugates, highlighting their application in the delivery of active ingredients from TCMs. The main body of the review presents a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art nanocarrier systems and introduces the impact of these nanocarriers on the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of TCM components. On the basis of this, we provide an outlook on the future directions of polymer nanocarriers in TCM delivery. This review underscores the transformative potential of polymer nanocarriers in revolutionizing TCM delivery, offering a pathway to harness the full therapeutic potential of TCMs while ensuring safety and efficacy in a modern medical context.

Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Western Medicine for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Western Medicine for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Effect of hydroxy-α-sanshool on lipid metabolism in liver and hepatocytes based on AMPK signaling pathway

BackgroundWith the increasing awareness of the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and food, as well as in-depth studies on the pharmacological activity and toxicity of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (ZADC), it has been found that ZADC is hepatotoxic. However, the toxic substance basis and mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS) belongs to an amide compound in the fruits of ZADC, which may be hepatotoxic. However, the specific effects of HAS, including liver toxicity, are unclear. PurposeThe objectives of this research was to determine how HAS affects hepatic lipid metabolism, identify the mechanism underlying the accumulation of liver lipids by HAS, and offer assurances on the safe administration of HAS. MethodsAn in vivo experiment was performed by gavaging C57 BL/6 J mice with various dosages of HAS (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). Biochemical indexes were measured, and histological analysis was performed to evaluate HAS hepatotoxicity. Hepatic lipid levels were determined using lipid indices and oil red O (ORO) staining. Intracellular lipid content were determined by biochemical analyses and ORO staining after treating HepG2 cells with different concentrations of HAS in vitro. Mitochondrial membrane potential, respiratory chain complex enzymes, and ATP levels were assessed by fluorescence labeling of mitochondria. The levels of proteins involved in lipogenesis and catabolism were determined using Western blotting. ResultsMice in the HAS group had elevated alanine and aspartate aminotransferase blood levels as well as increased liver index compared with the controls. The pathological findings showed hepatocellular necrosis. Serum and liver levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased. The ORO staining findings demonstrated elevated liver lipid levels. In vitro experiments demonstrated a notable elevation in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the HAS group. ATP, respiratory chain complex enzyme gene expression, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial number were reduced in the HAS group. The levels of lipid synthesis-associated proteins (ACC, FASN, and SREBP-1c) were increased, and lipid catabolism-associated protein levels (PPARα and CPT1) and the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio were decreased in vivo and in vitro. ConclusionHAS has hepatotoxic effects, which can induce fatty acid synthesis and mitochondrial function damage by inhibiting the AMPK signaling pathway, resulting in aberrant lipid increases.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicines on weight management among adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Increasing evidence has reported the anti-obesity effects of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their potential advantages in weight loss, such as fewer side effects and lower costs compared to the current recommended treatments like Western medicines. Previous review studies have examined the effects of a few commonly used TCM therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicines on weight loss. This network meta-analysis (NMA) study aims to review and rank the effects of currently available TCMs on weight loss and to compare the effects of TCMs with different intervention durations. Eligible Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among Chinese adults with overweight or obesity were searched on electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and SinoMed) up to 1 March 2023. Pairwise meta-analysis was performed to examine the pooled effects of TCMs on weight loss, and NMA was conducted to rank different types of TCMs. Subgroup analysis stratified by intervention duration was performed. Forty-six RCTs were eligible for inclusion in the review. The results showed that TCMs, especially when the treatment duration was ≤6months, were more effective in both body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) reduction than non-pharmacological interventions and placebo/no treatment. Acupotomy was ranked as the most effective TCM treatment in reducing both body weight and BMI. Traditional Chinese medicines have promising potential for weight loss and could be included in future clinical guidance as a standalone or supplementary treatment for obesity. Future studies need to further investigate under-researched TCMs, examine the long-term effects and safety of TCMs in obesity treatment, and validate the findings from this study among other ethnic populations.

CO185 Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

CO185 Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Chemical nature of metabolic activation of natural products in traditional Chinese medicines possibly associated with toxicities

Ensuring the safety of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) has perennially presented a universal challenge in the healthcare realm. Meticulous investigations into the toxicological intricacies of natural products are of paramount significance, particularly regarding the metabolic transformation of these substances and the subsequent generation of reactive intermediates. This biochemical process underlies the genesis of diverse toxic manifestations, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and genotoxicity. Compounds sorted within TCM, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, anthraquinones, furanoterpenoids, alkenylbenzenes, bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, flavonoids, and methylenedioxyphenyl derivatives, evince a spectrum of deleterious mechanisms upon metabolic activation. This review provides a comprehensive delineation of the pathways through which these compounds induce toxicity via metabolic activation. This review emphasizes the chemical mechanisms involved in the metabolic activation of natural products that may trigger a toxic cascade, rather than a superficial phenomenon. Furthermore, this study enriches the extant literature by delving into advancements in elucidating the mechanisms of toxicity engendered by metabolic activation. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of scrutinizing the mechanisms of toxicity and provides insights into the judicious and safe use of TCM.

Safety evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine: new era, new strategy

Today, as the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) becomes widespread globally, TCM is confronted with numerous new safety issues and challenges. In particular, the frequent emergence of safety issues/events such as liver and kidney injury associated with traditionally “non-toxic” TCM has overturned the conventional understanding of the toxicity and safety of TCM. This has also posed significant challenges to the development and internationalization of TCM. So, how should we understand the situation and problems of TCM safety? How can we scientifically solve the problems in evaluation and risk control of TCM? Our team proposes the following: First, we must keep pace with the times and view the issues of TCM safety in a dialectical manner, without exaggeration or underestimation. Second, we must break through the traditional perception that toxicity only came from the medicine itself, and innovate the theories of TCM toxicity. Third, we must establish precise prevention and control strategies for TCM with different types of toxicity, promoting a shift in the management of TCM safety risks from passive response to scientific and proactive control. On this basis, we have put forward the concept and methodological system of the “New Outlook on TCM safety”, hoping to provide new theories, strategies, methods, and successful examples for systematically solving the problems in the evaluation and risk control of TCM.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine combined with Silibinin on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

The efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Silibinin in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are still inconclusive. This meta-analysis intends to evaluation to explore the clinical efficacy and quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicine in combination with Silymarin in the treatment of NAFLD, aiming to aims to provide evidence-based data analysis for researchers and clinical practitioners involved in TCM research for NAFLD, with the hope of facilitating wider adoption and application. In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP and CBM databases from the establishment of the databases to Oct 2023. The study proposed to include studies that reported combination of TCM with Silibinin and Silibinin alone in the treatment of NAFLD, excluding studies for which full text was not available or for which data extraction was not possible; studies using animal studies; reviews and systematic reviews. All data were processed by STATA15.1 statistical software. 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis. The sample size ranged from 48 to 120, with a total of 1335 patients, including 669 in the Combined treatment group and 384 in the Silibinin group. The findings indicated that the total effective rate of combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of Silibinin alone. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) of combined treatment group were all significantly lower than that of western medicine alone. Additionally, after treating NAFLD with a combination of TCM and Silibinin, the TCM syndrome score were significantly lower than those observed with Silibinin alone. Traditional Chinese medicine in conjunction with Silibinin capsules has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of NAFLD, improving clinical symptoms, blood lipid levels, and liver function. Furthermore, it is essential to engage in multi-omics research, investigate iron death, and explore the gut microbiota as potential observational indicators for the diagnosis and inclusion criteria. Conducting more high-quality clinical experiments is necessary to further validate these findings.

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine With Liver-Soothing Function for Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectivesHyperplasia of the mammary gland (HMG) is a proliferative condition triggered by an imbalance in endocrine hormones. Studies have revealed the potential role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating endocrine disorders. TCM offers the advantages of multi-target regulation, significant therapeutic effects, and fewer side effects. TCM exhibits a liver-soothing function, improving clinical efficacy and relieving symptoms including hyperplasia and pain. Therefore, in this systematic review, we investigated the efficacy and safety of TCM with liver-soothing effects in alleviating HMG. MethodsEight databases were searched to obtain randomized controlled trials “(RCTs)” on the use of “Traditional Chinese Medicine with the liver-soothing function” for “hyperplasia of mammary glands.” The quality of collected studies was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Data were extracted from good-quality studies using RevMan. Stata 15.0 software was used for meta-analysis. ResultsIn total, 24 studies with 2,584 patients were included in this investigation. Among them, 1,312 patients in the intervention group received TCM with liver-soothing function and 1,272 patients in the control group received conventional Western medicine or other TCM. TCM with liver-soothing function outperformed the control group in terms of clinical efficacy. Furthermore, TCM with liver-soothing function significantly decreased HMG-associated adverse events, breast pain score, lump score, and other scores. ConclusionTCM with liver-soothing properties can effectively improve clinical efficacy and prevent adverse reactions in patients with HMG. More rigorous RCTs are warranted in the future to provide more concrete evidence.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of menopause-like syndrome for breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIn recent years, breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality have been the highest in females. Menopause-like syndrome (MLS), arising from hypoestrogenism caused by endocrine therapy, significantly affects the quality of life for females. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has advantages in ameliorating MLS, but the efficacy of TCM in patients with BC has not been systematically evaluated.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Clinical Trial Registry from inception to September 4, 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool was used for the quality evaluation of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used for quality evaluation of the synthesized evidence.ResultsThis review included 42 studies involving 3112 female patients with BC. The results showed that the TCM group was better at decreasing the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores (standardized MD, SMD = − 1.84, 95% confidence interval, CI [− 2.21–-1.46], Z = 9.63, P < 0.00001). Regarding the main symptoms of MLS, the TCM groups could significantly decrease the scores of hot flashes and night sweats (SMD = − 0.68, 95% CI [− 1.1–-0.27], Z = 3.24, P = 0.001), paraesthesia (SMD = − 0.48, 95% CI [− 0.74–-0.21], Z = 3.53, P = 0.0004), osteoarthralgia (SMD = − 0.41, 95% CI [− 0.6–0.21], Z = 4.09, P < 0.0001), anxiety (MD = − 0.85, 95% CI [− 1.13, − 0.58], Z = 6.08, P < 0.00001) and insomnia (MD = − 0.61, 95% CI [− 0.8, − 0.43], Z = 6.51, P < 0.00001). TCM can effectively improve the symptoms of MLS in patients with BC. Moreover, TCM could improve the objective response rate (ORR) by 50% (RR = 1.5, 95% CI [1.37–1.64], Z = 9.01, P < 0.00001). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (E2) had no significant difference compared with the control group (p = 0.81 and p = 0.87), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the TCM group decreased significantly (MD = − 0.99, 95% CI [− 1.38, − 0.5], Z = 5.01, P < 0.00001). This means that the use of TCM does not negatively affect endocrine therapy and may even have a synergistic effect. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was lower in the TCM groups than in the control groups.ConclusionsThe meta-analysis stated that TCM could better improve the MLS of patients, alleviate related symptoms, and did not increase adverse drug reactions in BC survivors. This review brings more attention to MLS, and the present findings shed light on the potential applications of TCM in the treatment of MLS in BC survivors.

A case-control retrospective study for the effect of Shoutai Wan on IVF-ET pregnancy outcome.

It has a long history of preventing and treating disease using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent years, it has been widely used in adjuvant therapies of in vitro fertilization - embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in China. To observe the effect and safety of Shoutai Wan on pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET. A total of 352 patients who underwent IVF-ET from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The participants who only received routine luteal support during clinical pregnancy of FET were defined as the control group, and others who received TCM decoction Shoutai Wan for prevention of miscarriage and routine luteal support were defined as the Chinese medicine protection Shoutai Wan group (St group). This project has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Approval NO: 2023-0305). The results of this retrospective cohort study revealed that Shoutaiwan combined with luteal support treatment can significantly decreased the miscarriage rate in pregnancy undergoing IVF-FET compared to the group accepted only luteal support treatment (P = .001). Meanwhile, St during pregnancy did not affect fetal birth weight (P = .354), and there was no adverse event in the St group reported, which confirmed the safety of TCM for fetus protection during pregnancy. This study not only provides evidences for the clinical administration of Shoutai Wan in IVF-ET, but also provides a novel direction for basic research into the subsequent innovative application of TCM.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies have reported the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), while some ophthalmologists are concerned that TCM may be a risk factor for CSC as some chinese herbs contain hormonal ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in treating patients with CSC. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of TCM for CSC were searched up to July 10, 2023 on the following biological databases without language and publication time restrictions: PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed). Review Manager V.5.4.1 and Stata 14 software were used for data analysis. Finally, thirty-eight studies were finally included including 23 RCTs and 15 cohort studies. The meta-analysis showed that compared with the routine treatment alone, the combination of TCM can not only reduce the recurrence rate (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.21,0.40; I2 = 0%) and central retinal thickness (CRT) (MD = - 35.63, 95% CI: - 45.96,-25.30; I2 = 89%) of CSC, but improve patients' best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.62,1.11; I2 = 77%); additionally, it has no obvious side effects compared with routine treatment (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.39,1.34; I2 = 10%). Overall, this study shows that the use of TCM does not increase the risk of CSC recurrence; on the contrary, the combination of TCM may reduce the recurrence of CSC and improve BCVA and CRT in patients with CSC compared with conventional treatment.

A systematic review of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine retention enema in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

The objective of this study is to summarize the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) enema in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The randomized controlled trials on TCM enema intervention in the treatment of UC were searched in seven databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database from January 1, 2013 to June 6, 2022, and the data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 18 studies involving 1514 UC patients were included. Meta analysis results showed that compared with conventional Western medicine, Chinese medicine enema had a significant effect on UC, and the clinical effective rate of the experimental group using Chinese medicine enema was 4.45 times that of the control group using conventional Western medicine (odds ratio = 4.45, 95% confidence interval [3.27, 6.06]). Therefore, Chinese medicine enema is effective in the treatment of UC, and can significantly reduce related symptoms.

Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicines as a Complementary Therapy Combined With Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

In China, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), as a complementary therapy combined with chemotherapy, is widely used in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). In order to systematically evaluate and synthesize existing evidence to provide a scientific basis for the efficacy and safety of this complementary therapy, we present an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on the topic of TCMs as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of GC. SRs/MAs on TCMs combined with chemotherapy for GC were comprehensively searched in 8 databases. Methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and quality of evidence were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic (ROBIS) scale, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020), as well as the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Thirteen published SRs/MAs were included in our study. In terms of methodology, all SRs/MAs were considered to be of very low quality. Only 3 SRs/MAs has been assessed as low risk of bias. None of the SRs/MAs has been fully reported on the checklist. A total of 97 outcome indicators extracted from the included SRs/MAs were evaluated, and only 1 item was assessed as high quality. TCMs may be an effective and safe complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of GC. However, this conclusion must be treated with caution as the quality of the evidence provided by SRs/MAs is generally low.

Effects of TCM external scalding therapy on spleen-stomach deficiency cold stomachache and inflammatory indexes.

To determine the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external scalding therapy on spleen-stomach deficiency cold stomachache. The medical records of 98 patients with spleen-stomach deficiency cold stomachache treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from January 2019 to January 2020 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 52 patients treated with western medicine were assigned to the control group, while the other 46 patients treated additionally with TCM external scalding therapy were assigned to the observation group. The two groups were compared in terms of serum gastrin (GAS), inflammatory factors and visual analogue scale (VAS) score, adverse reaction rate and symptom remission time. After treatment, the observation group showed a significantly lower GAS level than the control group (P<0.05), along with significantly lower serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) than the control group (all P<0.05). The observation group demonstrated significantly lower VAS score than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group experienced notably shorter remission time of dull epigastric pain, epigastric distension, fatigue and belching and acid reflux than the control group (all P<0.05), and a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions was found in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that history of alcoholism and treatment method were independent risk factors affecting patient outcomes (all P<0.05). TCM external scalding therapy has shown effectiveness in treating spleen-stomach deficiency cold stomachache. It alleviates stomachache symptoms and also reduces the occurrence of adverse reactions and inflammation, holding great potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for bone loss associated with endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for bone loss associated with endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis