The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Shugan Sanjie decoction in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang Y, Wei J, Gao C, Feng S, Wang H, Chai J, Zhu Y, Yuan Y, Ren L · Frontiers in Pharmacology · 2025 April 17
DOI 10.3389/fphar.2025.1508015
Objective
To investigate the efficacy and safety of Shugan Sanjie Decoction (SGSJ) in conjunction with Mifepristone (MFP) or Leuprolide acetate (LA) for the treatment of uterine fibroids (UFs).
Conclusions
The study concluded that SGSJ combined with MFP or LA showed significant improvement in the Clinical Effective Rate (CER), reduction of Uterine Fibroid Volume (UFV), and modulation of sex hormone levels when compared to MFP or LA alone.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Insights
Combining Shugan Sanjie Decoction with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate appears to be a compelling treatment option for uterine fibroids, improving clinical effectiveness and hormone regulation.
The research employed a systematic search of eight digital medical databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials evaluated the use of Shugan Sanjie Decoction in combination with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate for treating uterine fibroids. The selected RCTs made direct comparisons between Shugan Sanjie Decoction combined with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate and the use of Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate on their own with primary outcome being the Clinical Effective Rate. Secondary outcomes considered were uterine fibroid volume, uterine volume, serum sex hormone levels, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Scores.
Analysis of data from twelve RCTs with a total of 952 participants was carried out. The meta-analysis revealed that the combined use of Shugan Sanjie Decoction with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate markedly improved the total effective rate of treatment for uterine fibroids compared with using Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate singly. This combined treatment option was observed to be more effective and was associated with improved sex hormone modulation. Despite some limitations regarding study quality and heterogeneity of the trials, these findings illuminate a potentially beneficial treatment option for uterine fibroids.
