The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Guizhi Fuling capsule combined with low dose mifepristone in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials

Lei Y, Yang L, Yang H, Li M, Ou L, Bai Y, Dong T, Gao F, Wei P · BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies · 2023 February 18

DOI 10.1186/s12906-023-03842-y

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFL) combined with low-dose mifepristone (MFP) in treating uterine fibroids (UFs).

Conclusions

Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFL) combined with low-dose mifepristone (MFP) was found to significantly reduce hormone levels, fibroid and uterine volumes, and menstrual flow, while increasing clinical efficiency without significantly increasing adverse drug reactions compared to low-dose MFP 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

The combination of Guizhi Fuling Capsule with low-dose mifepristone is more effective and safe in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

This study summarises the findings from twenty-eight randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 2813 patients, focusing on the efficacy and safety of Guizhi Fuling Capsule combined with low-dose mifepristone in treating uterine fibroids. The trials were identified through a comprehensive search of eight literature databases and two clinical trial registries, followed by a data analysis using several software tools. The results indicate that this combination yielded a significant reduction in follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, uterine fibroids' volume, uterine volume, and menstrual flow. Furthermore, it increased the clinical efficiency rate. Compared to low-dose mifepristone alone, the combination did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions, indicating its relative safety.