Huangqi type formulations may relieve symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and reduce the adverse reactions of other drugs

Yuan W, Wang J, Wu T

Published Online:

April 14, 2010

Heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, oedema and hypercholesterolaemia are the characters of nephrotic syndrome. At present, the primary drugs for nephrotic syndrome are corticosteroids, alkylating agents and cyclosporin. However there are many side effects associated with their use. This review identified three studies (128 participants) comparing Huangqi type formulations with placebo. The results of this review suggest that Huangqi type formulations may have a positive effect on nephrotic syndrome (by reducing some adverse reactions and improving cholesterol levels), however the evidence from three small studies is not conclusive.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

At present, there is a lack of safe and effective drugs for nephrotic syndrome (NS). Huangqi type formulations have been used to treat nephrotic syndrome for years in China, however the effects and safety of these formulations have not been systematically reviewed.

Objectives:

To assess the benefits and harms of Huangqi and Huangqi type formulations in treating NS in any age group, either as sole agents or in addition to other drug therapies.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), CNKI, VIP and reference lists of articles. There was no language restriction.
Date of most recent search: June 2006.

Selection criteria:

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the use of Huangqi or Huangqi type formulations in treating NS in adults and children, either as sole agents or in addition to other drug therapies.

Data collection and analysis:

Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. For dichotomous outcomes (remission, side effects and Inefficacy rate), results were expressed as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Continuous outcomes (triglycerides cholesterol, plasma albumin) results were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% CI.

Main results:

Three studies were identified (n = 128), all comparing Huangqi type formulations with placebo. Huangqi injection had a positive effect on plasma albumin (MD 6.90, 95% Cl 3.60 to 10.20) and cholesterol (MD 2.13, 95% Cl -2.97 to -1.29). Huangqi and red Chinese date reduced some adverse reactions (Cushing's syndrome: RR 0.55, 95% Cl 0.32 to 0.94; hormone reduced syndrome: RR 0.58, 95% Cl 0.39 to 0.85, respiratory tract infection: RR 0.27, 95% Cl 0.08 to 0.88), but no benefit on reducing relapse. Huangqi and Danggui had a positive effect on cholesterol (MD -0.85, 95% Cl -1.70 to 0.00).

Authors' conclusions:

Huangqi type formulations may have some positive effects in treating NS by increasing plasma albumin and reducing blood cholesterol, Cushing's syndrome, hormone reduced syndrome and respiratory tract infection. However, limited by the lack of high quality clinical studies, we are unable to recommend Huangqi type formulations for NS. Large, properly randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are required.

This record should be cited as:

Yuan W, Wang J, Wu T. Chinese herbal medicine Huangqi type formulations for nephrotic syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006335. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006335.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

February 14, 2008

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Primary Review Group:

Renal Group

Health topics:

Kidney disease > Chronic kidney disease > Complementary & alternative therapy

Kidney disease > Chronic kidney disease > Glomerular disease

Complementary & alternative medicine > Kidney disease > Chronic kidney disease

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Huangqi type formulations may relieve symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and reduce the adverse reactions of other drugs

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