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Efficacy and safety of baihe gujin decoction as an adjunct to chemotherapy in pulmonary tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhao Y, Han Y, Liu J, Niu H, Wang P, Li Y, Liang J, Gong W

Frontiers in pharmacology, 2025

3 citations

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), an ancient affliction, continues to present significant challenges in modern medicine. Baihe Gujin Decoction, a traditional Chinese botanical drug remedy, has been widely utilized in clinical practice for tuberculosis treatment, yet its efficacy has been inconsistent. This meta-analysis aims to ascertain its effectiveness and contribute to evidence-based medicine.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials from January 2010 to February 2024. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager and Stata to evaluate the comparative outcomes.

Results: This meta-analysis encompassed 32 studies. The control group exhibited a notably higher clinical overall efficacy rate [OR = 5.50, 95%CI (4.18, 7.24), P P P P + T lymphocyte subset levels post-treatment, with a weighted mean difference of [OR = 4.87, (95%CI (1.91, 7.83), P < 0.05]. Furthermore, safety indices, including the incidence of total adverse reactions, liver function abnormalities, and gastrointestinal reactions, were significantly lower in the treatment group.

Conclusion: The combination of Baihe Gujin Decoction…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.

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