The efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of spinal cord injury
Abstract
Background: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is widely used for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, its exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and potential pharmacological mechanisms of CHM in treating SCI.
Materials and methods: Eight databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception until January 2025 regarding the use of Chinese medicine for SCI. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese medicine in treating SCI, and data mining and network pharmacology were used to identify core drugs and active ingredients. Finally, clustering and enrichment analyses were performed to explore potential targets and signaling pathways.
Results: A total of 41 studies involving 2,483 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the Chinese medicine group significantly improved sensory function (ASIS-SIS), motor function (ASIS-MS), activities of daily living (BI), and pain levels (VAS) in patients with SCI: ASIS-SIS: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 11.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (10.52, 12.51), p = 0.02 2) = 45%;ASIS-MS: SMD = 7.46, 95% CI (6.03, 8.9), p 2 = 66% BI: SMD = 6.73, 95% CI (5.60, 7.89), p = 0.0001, I2 = 62%;VAS: SMD = -1.05, 95% CI (-1.43, -0.67), p 2 = 89%.From the 41 Chinese…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,483 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Quercetin Influences Quorum Sensing in Food Borne Bacteria: In-Vitro and In-Silico Evidence
- Phenolic-protein interactions: insight from in-silico analyses – a review
- In Silico Discovery of Candidate Drugs against Covid-19
- Neuropharmacological Effects of Quercetin: A Literature-Based Review
- In vitro and in silico anti-dengue activity of compounds obtained from Psidium guajava through bioprospecting
- Effect of Quercetin Rich Onion Extracts on Bacterial Quorum Sensing
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.