Main Article Content

Clinical efficacy and safety of xiaoyao pill in post-stroke depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials


Yue Xu
Qing Zhang
Fang Yang
Suoguo Jing
Xiangning Zhang
Xuemei Qiu
Weiyin Chen

Abstract

Purpose: To review the efficacy and safety of the xiaoyao pill in the treatment of post-stroke depression.


Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using eligible studies found in relevant electronic databases [e.g., Embase, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) in China, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure]. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata (version 12) and Review (version 5.3).


Results: Eleven articles with a total of 1007 patients were included in this study. Overall, the results of the published studies show that xiaoyao pill combined with conventional drug therapy increases clinical response by 20 %. In contrast, Hamilton Depression Scale score and Scandinavian Stroke Scale score were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in xiaoyao pill treatment group than in control group. As an adjuvant therapy, xiaoyao pill reduces potential adverse reactions, suggesting that it can be used as a supplementary therapy in the management of post-stroke depression patients.


Conclusion: The review and meta-analysis provide preliminarily proof that xiaoyao pill can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with post-stroke depression and has a higher safety profile than conventional drug therapy. These findings suggest that xiaoyao pill can be used as an alternative or complementary drug for the management of post-stroke depression.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996