A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Herbal Medicine Buyang Huanwu Tang in Patients with Poststroke Fatigue

Abstract

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is reported to occur in 30%–72% of all patients with stroke. PSF not only is a symptom of stroke but has also been reported to adversely affect the prognosis of patients with stroke. However, no treatment has had a significant effect on PSF. In East Asian countries, several herbal medicines have been used to treat stroke, with Buyang Huanwu Tang (BHT) being the most common. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BHT for PSF. A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, CiNii, CNKI, OASIS, NDSL, and KTKP databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects and safety of BHT on PSF. Six studies (n = 427) were included. The overall methodological quality of these studies was relatively low. In the adjunctive BHT group, the meta-analysis indicated statistically significant improvements in the Fatigue Severity Scale score (mean difference −1.49, 95% CI [−2.25, −0.73]) and total clinical efficacy rate (risk ratio 0.11, 95% CI [0.03, 0.41]) compared to those in the nonherbal group. Adverse events were only reported in one study, and no serious adverse events occurred. BHT administration might be effective in the treatment of PSF. We were unable to draw definitive conclusions owing to the limitations of the included studies. The trial is registered with CRD42019130178 in PROSPERO.

Chinese herbal medicine Buyang Huanwu Decoction in treatment of peripheral nerve injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…In traditional Chinese medicine, which is the theoretical basis for herbal medicine, the human body is viewed from a holistic perspective. [6,10] A herbal medicine prescription typically consists of several herbs, which work together as a cooperative mechanism; Herbal medicine involves a complex mechanism of multiple active ingredients. In traditional Chinese medicine, BHD is used for treating cardiovascular and neurological disorders, which promotes the smooth flow of blood circulation and Qi energy, and thereby reinvigorates the entire body.…”

“…In eastern Asia, Chinese herbal medicine is widely used. [6,7] Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine commonly used to treat PNI, spinal cord injury, stroke, facial nerve palsy, cerebral ischemia, and vascular dementia and experimental studies have begun to provide supportive evidence in recent years. [8][9][10][11] BHD has been utilized for more than 200 years, which is comprised of 7 herbs: Radix Astragali seu Hedysari, Radix Angelica Sinensis, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Flos Carthami, Semen Persicae, and Pheretima.…”

Recent applications of Kampo treatment for neurological diseases

“…In this case, boyanghwanotang ( hoyokangoto in Japanese), a prescription for qi deficiency with blood stasis pattern, may be a therapeutic option. A SR and MA reported that boyanghwanotang significantly improved fatigue symptoms in patients with stroke [55]. Finally, hwangryunhaedoktang ( orengedokuto in Japanese) has been used to treat pathological laughter, where laughter cannot be well controlled.…”

Mechanism analysis of Buyang Huanwu decoction in treating atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

“…BYHWT also induces angiogenesis and promote revascularization through its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and shows good potential in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (Bao et al, 2021). Importantly, previous clinical studies suggest that clinical application of BYHWT is safe, and few patients experience side effects (Jin et al, 2021;Kim et al, 2022;Liu et al, 2003). These studies imply that BYHWT is promising to treat AS.…”