The herbal drug, Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (BZYQT) is an herbal drug that is widely used to treat various diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (AD) in East Asian countries. BZYQT has been shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties in experimental studies, and there is substantial clinical evidence of its effect on AD. This review will systematically assess the evidence of BZYQT for the treatment of AD. METHODS/DESIGN: Eleven databases will be searched from their inception without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials that examined BZYQT or modified BZYQT for AD will be included. The selection of the studies, data abstraction, and validations will be performed independently by 2 researchers. The methodological qualities of the randomized controlled trials will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will also be disseminated electronically or in print. It will be useful to inform and guide healthcare practitioners. TRIAL REGISTER NUMBER: CRD42018105173.