Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for COVID-19: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Wu H, Ji C, Dai R, Hei P, Liang J, Wu X, Li Q, Yang J, Mao W, Guo Q · Journal of Integrative Medicine · 2022 September

DOI 10.1016/j.joim.2022.06.006

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and evidence quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the efficacy of TCM.

Conclusions

Evidence from the included studies shows that, compared with conventional Western medical therapy alone, the addition of TCM to COVID-19 treatment may improve clinical outcomes. Overall, the quality of evidence of TCM for COVID-19 was moderate to poor. Meta-analyses of the use of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19 can be used for clinical decision making by accounting for the experiences of clinical experts, medical policies, and other factors.

Critical Appraisal

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Insights

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used alongside Western medicine for COVID-19 treatment shows potential benefits in terms of lung recovery, symptom improvement, and reducing the risk of severe cases.

Reviews conducted between 2020 and 2021, focused on various TCM interventions combined with Western medicine. The evidence suggests that TCM, when used alongside Western medicine, has a positive impact on several outcomes, including lung recovery, clinical symptom improvement, and reduced risk of severe cases. Overall, TCM appears to offer potential benefits in COVID-19 treatment, but further research is needed.