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Chinese medicinal herbs for the common cold
1West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chinese Cochrane Centre, Chinese EBM Centre, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610041. txwutx@hotmail.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|January 27, 2007
Summary
Chinese herbal medicines may shorten common cold symptoms, but low-quality studies prevent recommendations. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of these traditional remedies.
Area of Science:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Chinese herbal medicines are widely used for common cold treatment in China.
- Systematic reviews on their efficacy have been lacking.
- This study addresses the need for evidence-based assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicines for the common cold.
- To identify potential benefits and limitations based on existing research.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CBM.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regardless of publication status or language.
- Verification of randomization procedures and data extraction by multiple reviewers.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies with 2440 patients were included, all rated as poor quality (Category C).
- Some Chinese herbal preparations showed potential benefits in enhancing recovery compared to controls.
- Significant biases were probable across all included studies.
Conclusions:
- Chinese herbal medicines may offer a potential to shorten the symptomatic phase of the common cold.
- The current lack of high-quality clinical trials precludes definitive recommendations for any specific Chinese herbal preparation.
- Further rigorous research is essential to establish reliable efficacy and safety profiles.