Chinese herbal medicine may improve height, growth rate, and insulin-like growth factor levels in children with unexplained short stature.
Researchers systematically searched international and Chinese medical databases for randomized controlled studies comparing Chinese herbal medicine treatments for children with unexplained short stature. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted participant, intervention, outcome, and side-effect information, assessed study bias, and combined findings across studies.
Across seven included studies, Chinese herbal medicine was associated with greater height gains, faster growth, and higher insulin-like growth factor levels than comparison treatments. The evidence suggested potential benefit, although the included studies varied in quality and design.
