A meta-analysis of the efficacy of Buyang Huanwu decoction in the treatment of ischemic stroke

Purpose: This meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of Buyang Huanwu decoction in the management of ischaemic stroke. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the clinical efficacy of Buyang Huanwu decoction for ischemic stroke patients were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database and Wanfang Database. The search period was from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2023, and the parameters evaluated included efficacy, limb motor function score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and adverse drug reactions. Relevant data were extracted, assessed for quality, and analyzed using RevMan 5.2. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by nine RCTs, encompassing a total of 883 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that Buyang Huanwu decoction significantly enhanced motor function recovery, reduced neurological impairment, decreased the incidence of adverse reactions, elevated ADL scores, and an overall increase in clinical effectiveness (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant decrease and increase in TCM symptom scores and FMA scores respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Buyang Huanwu decoction improves clinical outcomes and motor functions in patients with ischaemic stroke. It is important to expand this study to include larger sample sizes, longer followup periods, and a broader scope of literature to validate its findings.