Meta-analysis of efficacy of Taohong Siwu Decoction in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined/single use of Taohong Siwu decoction in the treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) by meta-analysis. Methods: Database were searched electronically from the time databases established to November 2020 to collect randomized controlled trials of Taohong Siwu decoction combined with non-specific therapy for DPN in Chinese or English. The trial was assessed by 2 researchers independently, RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 13 studies included 970 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the combined/single use of Taohong Siwu decoction can further improve median sensory nerve velocity〔MD=4.86, 95% CI (2.70, 7.03), P＜0.00001〕, and the curative effect〔OR=4.35, 95% CI (3.1, 6.06), P＜0.00001〕, increase the velocity of the motor nerve〔MD=6.84,95% CI (6.14, 7.55), P＜0.00001〕,and the velocity of the sensory nerve〔MD=7.46, 95% CI (5.84, 9.08), P＜0.00001〕, decrease TCM syndrome score 〔MD=-5.61, 95% CI (-6.63, -4.60), P＜0.00001〕, and fasting blood-glucose〔MD=-0.24, 95% CI (-0.37, -0.11), P＜0.00001〕. The GRADE showed B level of evidence. Conclusion: Combined/single use of Taohong Siwu decoction in the treatment for DPN is effective. The safety is not clear, and more high-quality clinical studies are expected to be included to provide evidence support