Herbal medicine Shaofu Zhuyu decoction for primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological complaint in adolescent and young females. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Shaofu Zhuyu (SFZY) decoctions as treatments for primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS/DESIGN: Fifteen (four English, seven Korean, three Chinese, and one Japanese) databases will be searched from their inception without a language restriction. These include PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, seven Korean Medical Databases (Korean Studies Information, DBPIA, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Research Information Service System, KoreaMed, The Town Society of Science Technology, and the Korean National Assembly Library), three Chinese Medical Databases [the Chinese Medical Database (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and WanFang Database], and one Japanese Database (J global). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) included those that examined an SFZY decoction or a modified SFZY decoction. The control groups include no treatment, placebo, and medication. Trials testing a combination of SFZY decoction and medication compare to the same medication alone will be also included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments will be performed by two independent reviewers. All statistical analyses will be conducted using Review Manager software (RevMan V.5.3.0). Methodological quality will be assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide a detailed summary of the available evidence testing the effects of SFZY decoctions for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. The review will benefit patients and practitioners in the fields of traditional and complementary medicine. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015016386