Evaluating the Effectiveness of Moxibustion in Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of moxibustion (MXB) therapy for hyperlipidemia (HLP) by analyzing pre- and post-treatment outcomes.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated MXB therapy's effects on adult HLP patients, assessing pre- and post-treatment fasting blood sugar (FBS), apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), using a random-effects model. Results showed significant changes in these parameters, indicating MXB's potential efficacy in improving lipid metabolism and related markers.

The analysis includes 6 studies comprising 228 HLP patients (males: 25.43%, females: 51.75%, unknown: 22.8%). Result showed significant difference in TC (OR = 0.69 [0.13, 1.24], p = 0.02), LDL (OR = 0.42 [0.22, 0.63], p = 0.00), Apo B (OR = 0.33 [0.06, 0.60], p = 0.02), FBS (OR = 0.38 [0.05, 0.71], p = 0.02), and TG (OR = 0.35 [0.16, 0.54], p = 0.00) values in post-treatment group compared to pretreatment group. However, no significant changes was analyzed in values of HDL (OR = -0.16 [-0.38, 0.06], p = 0.16) and Apo A-l (OR = 0.01 [-0.26, 0.28], p = 0.96).

Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between MXB therapy and HLP. This supports the clinical application of MXB for HLP treatment. However, further high-quality studies with optimal doses in high-risk population and comprehensive safety reporting would enhance clinical applicability.