Effects of Chinese herbal formula Erxian decoction for treating osteoporosis: a systematic review

Li JY, Jia YS, Chai LM, Mu XH, Ma S, Xu L, Wei X · Clinical Interventions in Aging · 2017 January

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal formula Erxian decoction (EXD) for treating osteoporosis.

Conclusions

The study shows that EXD monotherapy or combination therapy may be superior to basic supplements in treating osteoporosis, with favorable effects on bone mineral density and minimal adverse drug reactions. However, more high-quality, placebo-controlled trials are needed for further verification.

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Insights

The Chinese herbal formula Erxian decoction appears to be more effective than basic supplements in treating osteoporosis.

A systematic review of six databases was conducted, looking for randomized controlled trials using Erxian decoction in osteoporosis treatment. The trials measured a variety of outcomes, including fracture incidents, changes in bone mineral density, improvements in pain symptoms, alterations in bone biochemical markers, quality of life, and adverse reactions. The timeline encompassed all trials conducted up until September 17, 2016, with no restriction on language. The results from the eight trials involving a total of 644 patients were analysed. Two separate meta-analyses were conducted. The first compared the effectiveness of the decoction to caltrate tablets in improving bone density in the spine and femoral great trochanter. The second meta-analysis evaluated the decoction plus caltrate tablets and calcitriol in improving the bone density of the femoral neck, and the levels of calcium and phosphorus, when compared to calcitriol and caltrate tablets. The most common side effect was minor cases of gastrointestinal symptoms.