Efficacy and safety of Wuwei Xiaodu Drink in root canal therapy for chronic pulpitis: A retrospective cohort study

Chronic pulpitis often leads to post-root canal therapy (RCT) complications. Wuwei Xiaodu Drink (WWXDD), a traditional anti-inflammatory formula, may enhance RCT efficacy. The objective was to assess WWXDD combined with RCT for chronic pulpitis, focusing on pain, inflammation, tissue repair, and safety. A retrospective study of 600 patients (300 RCT only vs 300 RCT + 14-day WWXDD) was conducted. Outcomes included pain (Visual Analog Scale), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-8), growth factors (basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein-2), periodontal indices (Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Periodontal Probing Depth), and adverse events. WWXDD group showed lower Visual Analog Scale scores (days 7/14/28, P < .001), reduced inflammation (C-reactive protein: 7.13 vs 8.54 mg/L; tumor necrosis factor-alpha: 48.57 vs 57.28 ng/L), improved periodontal indices (Gingival Index: 0.71 vs 0.84; Periodontal Probing Depth: 1.43 vs 1.68 mm, P < .001), and higher growth factors (basic fibroblast growth factor: 43.75 vs 41.22 pg/μL). Adverse events were lower (6.00% vs 11.00%, P = .028), with superior efficacy (94.33% vs 89.33%, P = .025). WWXDD synergizes with RCT to alleviate pain, suppress inflammation, enhance repair, and improve safety. Integrating traditional medicine optimizes chronic pulpitis management.