Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on Wenxin keli

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost associated with Wenxin keli in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases based on meta-analysis. METHODS: The terms “Wenxin keli” and “Wenxin” were used as the search terms in the PubMed, ProQuest, Springer, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Scientific Journals Database), and Wan fang electronic databases (from January 2000 to October 2015). Relevant print journals and conference papers were also searched. Studies on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Wenxin keli used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases were screened, and its indications were classified. Meta-analysis of these studies was conducted using the RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 49 RCTs (n=4,610) were included, 29 of which focused on arrhythmia, seven on angina, seven on heart failure, two on viral myocarditis, and four on menopausal syndrome. Analysis of the therapeutic indications of Wenxin keli showed that it was comparatively more curative and effective than other available treatments for cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: Wenxin keli showed better clinical efficacy in the treatment of arrhythmia, angina, and heart failure; however, more high-quality evidence is needed to support its use in the clinical setting.