Evaluation of astragaloside IV in hepatic fibrosis: A meta-analysis

To evaluate the effect of astragaloside IV for hepatic fibrosis. The multiple databases like Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane databases, and China National Knowledge database were used to search for the relevant studies, and full-text articles involved in the evaluation on effect of astragaloside IV for hepatic fibrosis. Review Manager 5.2 was adopted to estimate the effects of the results among selected articles. Forest plots, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis for the articles included were also conducted. Finally, 7 eligible studies were eventually satisfied the included criteria. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in model was higher than astragaloside group (mean difference [MD] = −58.01, 95% confidential interval (CI) [−93.97, −22.05], P = .002; I(2) = 99%). The meta-analysis suggested that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in model group was more than that in astragaloside group (MD = −39.94, 95% CI [−129.38, 49.50], P = .38; I(2) = 100%). Model group had higher α - smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) than astragaloside group (MD was −1.13, P of heterogeneity <.0001, I(2) = 94%, Z = 5.18, P of over effect <.0001). Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in model group was higher than that in astragaloside group (MD was −0.55, P of heterogeneity <.00001, I(2) = 97%, Z = 2.54, P of over effect = .01). Limited publication bias was observed in this study. Astragaloside IV is a potential clinical drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis considering liver function and hepatic fibrosis related protein factor in experimental rats are improved.