Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Diabetes and associated complications represent major global public health issues which are associated with impaired quality of life and premature death. Although some diabetic complications have decreased in the developed world, the majority are still prevalent, with an increasing trend in the developing world. Currently used therapies are mainly ‘glucocentric’, focusing on the optimization of glycemic control to prevent, delay or manage diabetes-associated complications- other common comorbidities, such as dyslipidemia and hypertension are often underestimated. Although a number of novel therapeutic approaches have been reported recently, some of them have not received comparable attention in relation to either further studies or potential clinical implementation. This editorial briefly discusses some recent therapeutic approaches to the prevention and management of diabetes and its associated complications, as well as potential directions for future research and development in this area.

The Role of Natural Products in Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Its efficacy in DR treatment may be attributable to the synergistic effects of multiple active ingredients engaging in different biological targets and pathways [ 182 ]. Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Li et al, comparing the effects of combining traditional Chinese medicine and conventional Western medicine treatment for DR, showed that combining therapies could lower blood glucose levels, improve fundus hemorrhage, and restore visual function in DR patients [ 183 ].…”