The efficacy and safety of Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction in the treatment of chronic non-atrophic gastritis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-atrophic gastritis is the most common type of chronic gastritis. Even if treated with current standard pharmacotherapy, the efficacy is not very satisfactory due to many factors. Traditional Chinese Medicine decoctions are increasingly used in the treatment of chronic gastritis, and many studies have shown that Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction is effective and safe in the treatment of chronic non-atrophic gastritis. However, it is controversy if Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction can provide an evidence-based clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of chronic non-atrophic gastritis. METHODS: We will go through 8 databases, and conduct a systematic review of Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction and health-related outcomes in chronic non-atrophic gastritis patients according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. The primary objective is to assess the impact of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines on clinical outcomes relevant to chronic non-atrophic gastritis patients, such as clinical effective rate, Helicobacter pylori eradication rate, efficacy under endoscopy, 1-year recurrent rate, and number of reported adverse events. Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool will be used to assess the quality of eligible studies according to the Cochrane handbook. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence of Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction and we have a specific opportunity to determine the efficacy and safety of it. CONCLUSION: This study will explore whether or not Xiangsha Liujunzi decoction can be used as one of the complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of chronic non-atrophic gastritis. REGISTRATION NUMBER: Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/TX27U (https://osf.io/tx27u/).