A systematic review on efficacy of Er-xian Decoction treated menopausal symptoms

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systemic review is to assess the efficacy of Er-xian decoction (EXD), a formula of Chinese medicine, in relieving menopausal symptoms. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were extensively retrieved. The Chinese electronic databases included VIP Information, CBMdisc, and CNKI. The English electronic databases include AMED, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE®. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials using EXD as a main intervention were included in the study selection. The quality of studies was assessed by Jadad scale and the criteria referred to in a Cochrane reviewers’ handbook. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers were responsible for data extraction and assessment. Discrepancies were rectified referring to the original articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: The efficacy of EXD treatment for menopausal symptoms was evaluated by meta-analysis. There were 154 articles retrieved according to the search strategy and there were 677 participants involved in the five studies that satisfied the selection criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that administration of EXD significantly relieved at least one menopausal symptom when compared to the control group at a 95% confidence interval (P 0.01). The curing effect of EXD with all symptoms relieved was significant as compared with the control groups (P 0.01). The results also indicated that the efficacy of EXD was better than the other non-menopausal hormone therapy (P 0.01), while there was no significant difference between the EXD and menopausal hormone therapy groups. CONCLUSION: The EXD is effective in treating menopausal symptoms. However, owing to the poor quality of the investigated studies, more randomized controlled trials are needed before evidence-based recommendation regarding the effectiveness of EXD in the management of menopausal symptoms can be provided.