The clinical efficacy of Astragalus-containing Chinese patent medicines in the effective treatment of heart failure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Rui F, Di Y, Li C, Liu T
Published in Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of 18 randomised controlled trials of 16 oral Astragalus-containing Chinese patent medicines added to Western medicine for heart failure.
Key Findings
Compared with Western medicine alone, Astragalus Granule plus Western medicine ranked best for overall clinical efficacy rate and for reducing B-type natriuretic peptide, with other formulas ranking first on walk distance and ejection fraction.
Conclusions
Astragalus-containing patent medicines added to standard therapy may improve heart failure surrogate endpoints, but rankings come from small trials of variable quality.
Limitations
Multi-herb patent formulas rather than astragalus alone, small trials, surrogate endpoints, risk of publication bias in Chinese-language literature.
Supplements Studied
Compared to using Western medicine (WM) alone, Astragalus Granule + WM ranked best for improving overall clinical efficacy rate.
Outcomes Measured
Xinlishen Compound + WM was the optimal combination for improving left ventricular ejection fraction.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.