The effect of externally applied traditional Chinese medicine in diabetic foot: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 RCTs

Yan-Wu Yang; Yi-Wu Zhou; Mei-Ling Ge

doi:10.1016/j.foot.2023.102045

The effect of externally applied traditional Chinese medicine in diabetic foot: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 RCTs

Foot (Edinb). 2023 Sep:56:102045. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2023.102045. Epub 2023 Jul 23.

Authors

Yan-Wu Yang¹, Yi-Wu Zhou¹, Mei-Ling Ge²

Affiliations

¹ The Emergency Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
² The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics (National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics), West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: gemeiling025@163.com.

PMID: 37499379
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2023.102045

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of externally applied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on diabetic foot.

Methods: We searched the China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang Database, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to July 31, 2022, to find all randomized control trials (RCTs) related to externally applied TCMs in diabetic foot treatment. Information about the total effective rate, healing rate, and healing time were extracted. In addition, the relative risk (RR)/odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results: Finally, a total of 34 RCTs including 3758 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There were 5 articles that reported hydropathic compress with astrogalin, 14 articles that reported MEBO burn cream, 9 articles that reported compound cortex phellodendri liquid and 6 articles that reported Shengji Yuhong ointment. Compared with the basic treatment, the externally applied TCM (astrogalin, MEBO burn cream, compound cortex phellodendri liquid and Shengji Yuhong ointment) combined with basic treatment improved the total effective rate (RR = 1.31 [1.20, 1.42], P < 0.0001) and healing rate (RR = 1.84 [1.56, 2.17], P < 0.0001) and shortened the healing time (SMD = - 2.51 [- 3.39, - 1.63], P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that common TCM applied externally could significantly improve the clinical efficacy comparing to the basic treatment.

Keywords: Diabetic foot; Externally applied; Meta-analysis; Systematic review; Traditional Chinese medicine.

Publication types

Review