The combination of Kushen gel and antifungal drugs potentially enhances the effectiveness and mitigates recurrence rates in Vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment.
The methodology of this study was based on a systematic screening and analysis of multiple databases including CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, all searched from their inception to January 2024. The aim was to find and select relevant randomized controlled trials that applied Kushen gel in combination with antifungal drugs for the treatment of Vulvovaginal candidiasis. The methodological quality of the found trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Further, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software to evaluate the results.
The researchers' discussion focused on the effectiveness and safety of the combined use of Kushen gel and antifungal drugs. Results from the meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 4259 VVC patients revealed that, more than just using antifungal drugs alone, a combined application of Kushen gel and antifungal drugs increased effectiveness and lessened recurrence rates. They also concluded that there was no significant difference in safety between using the two treatments concurrently versus using antifungal drugs alone.
