The effect of Taohong Siwu decoction combined with antihypertensive medicine in the treatment of hypertension: Meta-analysis

Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research has shown that the practical components of THSWD have specific curative effects on various cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, suggesting THSWD could effectively lower blood pressure (BP) with fewer side effects. However, little information is available regarding the effectiveness of THSWD combined with antihypertensive medicine on hypertension. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to study the efficacy and safety of THSWD in treating hypertension. METHODS: According to the search strategy, 8 databases were searched, including China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, Pubmed, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), web of science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, for the randomized controlled trial of THSWD on hypertension. 9 RCTs were included and 827 patients were involved. This meta-analysis used RevMan 5.4 to evaluate the articles. RESULTS: This review included 9 RCTs. All studies were THSWD with the antihypertensive drug compared with single antihypertensive western medicine. The total effective rate of THSWD combined with corresponding western medicine was significantly improved (Relative risk = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.16–1.37, P < .00001), which could effectively reduce the systolic BP (MD = −15.28 mm Hg; 95% CI: −20.17 to −10.40, P < .00001=, diastolic BP (MD = −9.70 mm Hg; 95% CI: −12.66 to −6.73, P < .00001), Triglycerides (MD = −1.48, 95%CI: −2.09 to −0.87, P < .00001), total cholesterol (MD = −1.43, 95% CI: −1.63 to −1.24, P < .00001) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = −0.93, 95% CI: −1.07 to −0.80, P < .00001). Compared with the single routine western medicine group, THSWD combined with the corresponding western medicine increased serum high-density lipoprotein (MD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.46, P < .00001). CONCLUSION: THSWD combined with antihypertensive drugs in treating hypertension was curative in lowering BP, improving blood lipid levels and reducing the incidence of adverse reactions compared to antihypertensive medications treatment. However, more high-quality studies are needed due to the biased results and the small number of studies for further verification of the effectiveness of THSWD, and providing a new treatment for clinical reference.