Impact of herbal medicines on pregnancy rates in female infertility

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Created On: 30/12/2023

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore both individual herbs and Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) patterns commonly employed in the treatment of female infertility using network analysis. An evaluation was carried out to examine the impact of herbal medicine on pregnancy rates in females experiencing infertility.

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Key take away

Herbal therapeutics are beneficial to improve pregnancy rates in women dealing with infertility.

Background

Method

Searches on Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Science ON, PubMed, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, and EMBASE were performed for finding out relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). After recognizing the top three herbs utilized in combating female infertility, network analysis was performed to unveil the TEAM pattern links associated with each herb.

The meta-analysis assessed the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicine in enhancing pregnancy rates. Using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension guidelines and the Risk of bias tool, the methodological quality of RCTs was scrutinized.

Result

Overall, 18 RCTs involving 2,662 volunteers were incorporated. Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Tusizi) emerged as the most frequently used herb for women's infertility management. This was followed by Angelica gigas Nakai (Danggui) and Cyperus rotundus L. (Xiangfuzi). These promising herbs were predominantly employed to address individuals suffering from renal insufficiency or renal insufficiency combined with blood stasis or Phlegm-dampness in the TEAM pattern.

The meta-analysis demonstrated a remarkable rise in pregnancy rates with the usage of herbal medicine in comparison with placebo therapy. Mild and infrequent adverse events were reported in the incorporated studies. The methodological quality of RCTs using CONSORT extension was subpar, although the overall Risk of bias of the RCTs was found to be generally low.

Conclusion

Herbal medicines hold promise in treating female infertility by enhancing pregnancy rates. However, there is a need for more meticulously designed studies on herbal medicines to boost the quality of future research in this domain.