Yinchenhao decoction in the treatment of cholestasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yinchenhao decoction, a well-known Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. However, no systematic review of Yinchenhao decoction in treating cholestasis has been completed. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Yinchenhao decoction in treating cholestasis.

The major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang database, VIP medicine information system and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched from the databases' inception through November 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Yinchenhao decoction reported in publications for treatment of cholestasis were extracted by two reviewers. The RCTs examined included total efficacy rate and biochemical indices including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL). The Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias of the trials. The main outcomes of the trials were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. The odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure the effect.

Among the 698 studies identified in the literature search, 15 studies involving 1405 subjects with cholestasis were included in the analysis. Yinchenhao decoction demonstrated efficacy in cholestasis treatment whether in a combined application or not. Additionally, the decoction significantly reduced the elevated levels of cholestasis serum markers, such as ALT, AST, TBIL and DBIL, with a significant difference observed in short and long curative time periods. Remarkably, Yinchenhao decoction displayed a significant efficacy in treating the long-term disease.

No serious adverse event was reported. This meta-analysis provides evidence that Yinchenhao decoction is an effective and safe treatment for cholestasis.