Efficacy of Longdan Xiegan Decoction on the Treatment of Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hu, Ziteng; Gao, Lidong; Li, Chengxian; Cucco, Alberto; Wang, Shang; Yuan, Weiling; Zhang, Fan; Kang, Shuai; Wang, Min

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8836117

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

On this page

Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Data Availability Conflicts of Interest Authors’ Contributions Acknowledgments Supplementary Materials References Copyright Related Articles

Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2021 | Article ID 8836117 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8836117

Efficacy of Longdan Xiegan Decoction on the Treatment of Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ziteng Hu,¹Lidong Gao,¹Chengxian Li,¹Alberto Cucco,¹Shang Wang,¹Weiling Yuan,¹Fan Zhang,¹Shuai Kang,¹and Min Wang¹

Academic Editor: Jing Zhao

Received06 Sept 2020

Revised19 Jan 2021

Accepted07 Feb 2021

Published18 Feb 2021

Abstract

Background. Longdan Xiegan decoction (LDXGD) has been widely used in the treatment of eczema. In recent years, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LDXGD for the treatment of eczema have gradually increased. Most of the results show that LDXGD is effective in treating eczema. However, whether these conclusions are reliable or not requires meta-analysis. Objective. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of LDXGD in the treatment of eczema. Materials and Methods. Seven electronic databases, including PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature on Disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) were systematically searched from their inception until January 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using criteria from the Cochrane Collaboration and meta-analysis was conducted on the screened literature data using Review Manage (RevMan 5.3). Then, to assess the quality of evidence, the GRADE criteria was adopted. Results. 14 RCTs with 1080 participants were identified. Meta-analysis indicated that compared with western medicine (WM), the cure rate and the total effective rate of LDXGD in treating eczema were higher. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate and the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) after treatment were lower. The adverse reaction was reported in 5 out of 14 studies without significant statistical difference. According to GRADE criteria, the quality of evidence was low for all outcomes except for the cure rate (moderate-quality evidence) and the total effective rate (moderate-quality evidence). Conclusion. The clinical efficacy of LDXGD in the treatment of eczema was more effective compared with the one of conventional WM alone. However, due to the limitation of the quality of the included studies, additional studies are required to further confirm these results.

1. Introduction

Eczema is a skin inflammatory disease caused by a variety of internal and external factors, including immune factors, genetic factors, endocrine changes, environmental factors, and infectious factors [1]. It is characterized by pleomorphic skin lesions and recurrent attacks, and it is easy to become chronic [2]. Papules, blisters, exudation, erosion, and pruritus are common symptoms accompanying eczema [3], which significantly affect the patients’ physical health and life quality. The pathogenesis of eczema is not completely clear. Studies have shown that the main cause is represented by internal factors, such as abnormal immune function and skin barrier dysfunction [4]. In China, the prevalence of eczema has been on the rise, accounting for about 15%∼20% in the dermatology department [5]. Antihistamine and glucocorticoid are the main measures to treat eczema. However, the long-term use of these drugs may lead to resistance, dependence, and a series of adverse reactions [6].

Longdan Xiegan decoction (LDXGD) is originated from Wang Ang’s Prescriptions and composed of 10 herbs, including Longdancao (Radix Gentianae), Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae), Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae), Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Mutong (Caulis Akebiae), Cheqianzi (Semen Plantaginis), Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), and Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) [7]. It is widely used in the treatment of eczema. LDXGD can improve the CD4⁺T cell proportion in the body, while reducing the CD8⁺T cell proportion [8], and it improves the cellular immune regulation function after increasing the spleen index, which may be one of the main mechanisms in the treatment of eczema [9]. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of RCTs in the treatment of eczema with the LDXGD, and most of the results have shown that LDXGD is effective in treating eczema. However, whether these conclusions are reliable or not requires meta-analysis. Therefore, this paper adopted the method of systematic evaluation to compare the efficacy of LDXGD with WM in the treatment of eczema, to provide a real and objective basis for the clinical application of LDXGD in the treatment of eczema.

2. Methods

This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) [10].

2.1. Search Strategy

Seven electronic databases, including PubMed (https://http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/), EMBASE (https://www.embase.com), Cochrane Library (https://www.cochranelibrary.com), CBM (http://www.sinomed.ac.cn/), CNKI (http://www.cnki.net/), WanFang (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/), and VIP (http://www.cqvip.com/) were systematically searched from their inception until January 2021. The following search terms were used and varied depending on which database was searched: “eczema”, “eczemas”, “dermatitis”, “eczematous”, “dermatitides”, “eczematous dermatitides”, “eczematous dermatitis”, “longdan xiegan”, “longdanxiegan”, “long dan xie gan”, “randomized controlled trial”, “randomized”, and “placebo”.

2.2. Inclusion Criteria

(1)Type of participants: research involved patients with any type of eczema.(2)Type of study: only RCTs that assessed the efficacy of LDXGD for the treatment of eczema were eligible.(3)Type of intervention: LDXGD must be included in the herbal formula used in the experimental group. There were no restrictions on the drug dosage, frequency, or treatment time. The control group was treated with WM, including cetirizine, loratadine, ebastine, and azelastine.(4)Type of results: the efficacy of LDXGD on the treatment of eczema was evaluated through the cure rate and the total effective rate. Secondary outcomes included the recurrence rate and the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α after treatment. Safety was evaluated through adverse events.

2.3. Exclusion Criteria

If the above-described conditions were not met, the literature is to be excluded. Besides, the following conditions should also be excluded: (1)Duplicate publications.(2)Animal experiments, mechanisms, studies, reviews, experience, and case reports.(3)Not available full text of the literature.(4)Whenever in the experimental group, LDXGD was used as adjuvant therapy or contained other traditional Chinese medicine formulation.(5)Whenever the control group contained LDXGD.

2.4. Study Selection

Two reviewers (Fan Zhang and Shuai Kang) separately searched the aforementioned databases and listed the titles of all articles. According to the inclusion criteria, by looking through the title and abstract, they excluded papers that were not eligible. Next, they screened the contents of the unclear articles further. If there were some overlaps or repetitions in the article, only the latest information was included. Through discussions with the corresponding authors of the study, the dispute about the selection of documents was resolved.

2.5. Data Extraction

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers (Fan Zhang and Shuai Kang) independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and carried out cross-checking. When differences arose, a third party (Weiling Yuan) was involved in discussion or consultation, to assist in judgment. The extracted data included the first author, publication time, basic data of the study subjects, the sample size of the experimental group and control group, specific details of the intervention measures, outcome indicators, and data [11].

2.6. Quality Assessment

Two reviewers (Lidong Gao and Chengxian Li) independently evaluated the methodological quality of these trials according to Cochran’s Systematic Review Handbook risk assessment tool. The risk of bias includes 7 items: random sequence generation (selection bias), allocation concealment (selection bias), blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias), blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias), incomplete outcome data (attrition bias), selective reporting (reporting bias), and other bias. Differences among the reviewers were resolved by a discussion [12].

2.7. Data Analysis

RevMan 5.3 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for the binomial variables. The mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were used when the continuous variables were the same unit of measurement, and the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were used when different units of measurement were used. Heterogeneity was judged on the basis of the results of I²-test. The fixed-effect model was adopted when I² < 50%. I² > 50% indicated that the heterogeneity of interstudy was significant, so the reasons for heterogeneity must be analyzed. Firstly, it was checked whether the original data and the method of data extraction were correct. Secondly, if the heterogeneity attributed to race, course, dose, random method, allocation concealment, and so on, subgroup analysis could be used. Sensitivity analysis could also be performed to explore the causes of heterogeneity. If the cause of heterogeneity still was not to be explained, the random effect model could be used. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on the stability and reliability of meta-analysis results. Finally, a meta-analysis was given up if the combined results of the study had no clinical significance. Inverted funnel plots were used to determine potential publication bias when more than 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. was considered statistically significant. GRADE criteria were used to access the strength of the evidence to make the results more credible.

3. Results

3.1. Search Results

A total of 487 studies were retrieved from the seven electronic databases (PubMed (n = 0), EMBASE (n = 0), Cochrane Library (n = 0), CBM (n = 130), CNKI (n = 125), WanFang (n = 117), and VIP (n = 115)) and other sources. After removing the duplicates, 150 records remained. By screening the titles and abstracts, 100 records were excluded (irrelevant studies (n = 39), review studies (n = 20), animal experiment studies (n = 15), non-RCT studies (n = 21), and repeated published studies (n = 5)). By reading the full text, 36 records were removed (irrelevant studies (n = 20), animal experiment studies (n = 7), non-RCT studies (n = 8), and low-quality studies (n = 1)). Finally, 14 studies were included (see Figure 1).

3.2. Study Characteristics

A total of 14 RCTs involving 1080 patients were included, published from 2009 to 2019. All studies were published in China. Sample sizes ranged from 50 to 125, with significant differences in the course of disease and age. The intervention of the experimental group included LDXGD alone or combined with WM, while the control group was based on WM monotherapy, including cetirizine, loratadine, ebastine, and azelastine. The course of treatment ranged from 10 to 21 days. Five studies [13–17] reported the incidence of adverse reactions. The basic characteristics of the 1080 patients were consistent, and no significant differences were found before the intervention (see Table 1).

3.3. Methodological Quality Assessment

Although randomization was announced in all of the included trials, 6 studies [16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26] used a random number table or described the procedure of randomization; accordingly, the risk of bias on the domain was judged as “low risk.” Three studies [15, 22, 23] had “high risk” because the random sequence was generated based on the clinic number or the date of visit. The remaining studies [13, 14, 17, 19, 24] only reported “random” without a specific method and evaluated were as “unclear risk.” Allocation concealment and blinding of participants and outcome assessment were not mentioned in any of the studies and assessed as “unclear risk.” All studies [13–26] indicated that the outcome data were complete and were assessed as “low risk.” In selective reporting, 11 studies [14–16, 18–24, 26] were assessed as “low risk” because the published reports contained all the expected results, 2 studies [13, 17] were assessed as “unclear risk” due to lack of sufficient information, and 1 study [25] that reported only the curative effect calculated based on eczema area and severity index (EASI) without reporting the raw data was assessed as “high risk.” We evaluated other biases according to the comparability of baseline data in the trials, like gender, age, and duration between groups; lastly, all studies were judged as “low risk” (see Figures 2 and 3).

3.4. Primary Outcomes

The curative-effect standard of eczema referred to “Guiding Principles of Clinical Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine.” Standard of cure: all skin lesions and itching symptoms disappeared. The treatment efficiency reached 100%. Standard of significantly effective: most of the skin lesions disappeared, and pruritus symptoms were significantly reduced. The treatment efficiency was more than 70%. Standard of effective: skin lesions partially disappear, and pruritus symptoms were improved. The treatment efficiency was more than 30%. Standard of invalidity: skin lesions had not subsided significantly, and pruritus had not improved or worsened. Or the treatment efficiency had not reached the effective standard. The total effective rate was the sum of the cure rate, significant effective rate, and effective rate.

3.4.1. Cure Rate

A total of 14 [13–26] studies reported the cure rate, and meta-analysis showed that LDXGD was better at improving the cure rate of eczema (RR = 1.56, 95% CI (1.35, 1.81), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 4). Five studies compared LDXGD plus antihistamines with antihistamines, and there was a significant difference between them (RR = 1.51, 95% CI (1.23, 1.85), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 4) [13–16, 18]. Two studies compared LDXGD plus hormonal drugs with hormonal drugs, and there was a significant difference between them (RR = 1.38, 95% CI (1.01, 1.88), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 4) [19, 20]. Seven studies compared LDXGD with antihistamines, and there was a significant difference between them (RR = 1.79, 95% CI (1.33, 2.40), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 4) [17, 21–26].

3.4.2. Total Effective Rate

A total of 14 [13–26] studies reported the total effective rate, and meta-analysis showed that LDXGD was better at improving the total effective rate of eczema (RR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.19, 1.34), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 5). Five studies compared LDXGD plus antihistamines with antihistamines, and there was a significant difference between them (RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.11, 1.34), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 5) [13–16, 18]. Two studies compared LDXGD plus hormonal drugs with hormonal drugs, and there was a significant difference between them (RR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.11, 1.47), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 5) [19, 20]. Seven studies compared LDXGD with antihistamines, and there was a significant difference between them (RR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.18, 1.43), , heterogeneity I² = 30%, , Figure 5) [17, 21–26].

3.5. Secondary Outcomes

3.5.1. Recurrence Rate

A total of 3 [19, 20, 23] studies reported the recurrence rate. The results showed that the recurrence rate of LDXGD plus hormonal drugs was lower than that of hormonal drugs alone (RR = 0.22, 95% CI (0.07, 0.75), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, , Figure 6) [19, 20]. There was no statistically significant difference between the LDXGD alone group and the antihistamines group (RR = 0.11, 95% CI (0.01, 1.96), , Figure 6) [23].

3.5.2. Levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α after Treatment

A total of 3 [14–16] studies reported the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α after treatment. The results showed that the levels of IL-6 (SMD = −1.61, 95% CI (−1.91, −1.30), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, ), IL-8(SMD = −1.68, 95% CI (−1.99, −1.38), , heterogeneity I² = 13%, ) and TNF-α (SMD = −1.68, 95% CI (−1.98, −1.37), , heterogeneity I² = 0%, ) after treatment of LDXGD plus antihistamines were lower than the one of antihistamines alone, and the difference was statistically significant (see Table 2).

3.6. Adverse Reaction Rate

The main adverse reactions included abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and lethargy. A total of 5 [13–17] studies reported the adverse reaction rate. Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group (RR = 0.77, 95% CI (0.42, 1.44), , heterogeneity I² = 47%, , Figure 7).

3.7. Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analysis showed that all single studies could not change the final outcomes, which meant that this meta-analysis had good stability.

3.8. Publication Bias

Publication bias was analyzed by funnel plots of the total effective rate and the cure rate. The funnel plots showed incomplete symmetry between right and left, which may be caused by factors such as a small number of selected studies, low quality, unpublished negative results, or small sample effect (see Figures 8 and 9).

3.9. Evidence Grading Results

The risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and publication bias of each outcome indicator were analyzed and summarized. GRADE evaluation was conducted for each outcome indicator, among which the cure rate and the total effective rate were moderate-quality evidence, and the recurrence rates and posttreatment levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were low-quality evidence (see Table 3). The main reason for the downgrade of the primary outcomes was that the original research had a certain degree of publication bias, which affected the authenticity of the research results. And the reasons for the downgrade of the second result evidence were mainly due to a certain degree of selection bias in the original study and the small number of included studies.

4. Discussion

4.1. Summary of Evidence

In summary, compared with WM used alone, LDXGD used alone or combined with WM had a higher cure rate (RR = 1.56, 95% CI (1.35, 1.81), ) and total effective rate (RR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.19, 1.34), ) in treating eczema, and lower levels of IL-6 (SMD = −1.61, 95% CI (−1.91, −1.30), ), IL-8 (SMD = −1.68, 95% CI (−1.99, −1.38), ), and TNF-α (SMD = −1.68, 95% CI (−1.98, −1.37), ) after treatment. The recurrence rate of LDXGD combined with WM was lower than that of WM used alone (RR = 0.22, 95% CI (0.07, 0.75), ), and there was no statistically significant difference between LDXGD used alone and WM used alone (RR = 0.11, 95% CI (0.01, 1.96), ). As well, there was also no significant difference in adverse reaction rate between the experimental group and the control group (RR = 0.77, 95% CI (0.42, 1.44), ). According to the GRADE criteria, the cure rate and total effective rate were moderate-quality evidence, while the recurrence rate and the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α after treatment were low-quality evidence.

4.2. Limitations

There are several limitations in our primary studies as well. Firstly, the methodological quality of the 14 RCTs included in this study was not high. Some RCTs did not elaborate on the specific randomization method, and all RCTs did not elaborate on allocation concealment or whether the blind method was used, which may affect the conclusions of this study. Secondly, the RCTs included in this study were all published studies, and due to the limitation of retrieval resources, part of the gray literature was not available, so potential publication bias could not be excluded. Finally, ITT analysis was not performed on the final data in all RCTs, which was likely to cause a loss of follow-up bias. Thus, the conclusions of this meta-analysis need to be provided with more reliable evidence-based medical evidence by future multicenter, large-sample, and high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials.

4.3. Phytochemical Investigations and Pharmacological Activities

LDXGD is composed of 10 herbs and can improve the CD4⁺T cell proportion in the body while reducing the CD8⁺T cell proportion [8]. It also improves the cellular immune regulation function after increasing the spleen index, which may be one of the main mechanisms in the treatment of eczema [9]. The immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and antioxidant effects of LDXGD all play an important role in the treatment of eczema [7].

4.3.1. Longdancao (Radix Gentianae)

Longdancao contains numerous kinds of chemical components, mainly including iridoid glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids [27], among which flavonoids have distinctive anti-inflammatory effects [28]. Research suggests Longdancao can reduce dermal edema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration and achieve the same effect as glucocorticoids in suppressing the inflammatory response to eczema in some aspects [29].

4.3.2. Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae)

So far, over 40 compounds have been isolated and identified from Huangqin, including flavonoids, terpenoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides [30]. Flavonoids inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene to prevent the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) from binding to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), thus inhibiting the metabolism of arachidonic acid producing anti-inflammatory effects [31]. Wogonoside could decrease the production of inflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 [32].

4.3.3. Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae)

Zhizi contains iridoid glycosides, organic acid esters, saffron glycosides, and flavonoids [33]. Geniposide can significantly reduce the expression levels of cytokines such as interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-6, and TNF-α in the blood of Nc/Nga inflamed mice and obviously relieves the inflammatory symptoms of mice [34]. Fang’s experiments also proved that geniposide has a certain anti-inflammatory effect [35].

4.3.4. Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri)

Dual regulation of Chaihu to adenylate cyclase can enhance the immunity of mice [36]. Bupleurum polysaccharides and bupleurum saponin, the active components of Chaihu, can inhibit the inflammatory response, and the mechanism of action is related to stimulating the adrenal gland and promoting the function of the adrenal cortex system [37, 38].

4.3.5. Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

Modern research indicates that phthalides, organic acids and their esters, and polysaccharides are the main chemical components related to the bioactivities and pharmacological properties of Danggui [39]. Ferulic acid and isoferulic acid contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Danggui [40, 41]. Angelica polysaccharide has the function of promoting phagocytic cell phagocytosis and promoting lymphocyte transformation and proliferation [42].

4.3.6. Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae)

Shengdihuang contains iridoid glycosides, glycosides, amino acids, and other active ingredients [43]. Zhao’s experimental results show that rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides can significantly increase the spleen index of mice and enhance the phagocytic function of mononuclear macrophages [44]. Wang’s research results indicate that Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides can clearly increase the synthesis of lymphocyte DNA and protein and can obviously enhance the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in active lymphocytes and enhance immune function [45]. Liang’s experiment also shows that Shengdihuang has the effect of regulating immunity [46].

4.3.7. Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Modern pharmacological research shows that Gancao contains total flavonoids, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, triterpenoids, glycyrrhizin, and other ingredients [47]. Guo’s research found that both isooligonucleotides and naringenin, the effective components of Gancao, can enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Treg cells [48]. Yang’s research confirmed that total flavonoids in Gancao downregulate the inflammatory factors nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-6 and COX-2, and downregulate and activate iNOS and COX-2 in macrophages, and upregulate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to achieve anti-inflammatory effects [49].

4.3.8. Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis)

The chemical components of Zexie include triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes [50]. The alcohol extract, water extract, and various monomer components of Zexie have anti-inflammatory effects [51].

4.3.9. Mutong (Caulis Akebiae)

The main components of Mutong are triterpenes and their saponins [52]. Acanthopanax saponins A, hederagenin, and oleanolic acid obtained from Mutong have anti-inflammatory effects, and the anti-inflammatory effect of hederagenin is stronger than the other two compounds [53].

4.3.10. Cheqianzi (Semen Plantaginis)

The chemical components of Cheqianzi mainly include polysaccharides, phenethyl alcohol glycosides, iridoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, and sterols [54]. Zhang’s research found that Psyllium extract can reduce the permeability of rat skin and abdominal capillaries and the permeability of red blood cell membranes, indicating that Psyllium has anti-inflammatory activity [55]. Chen’s research showed the effect of Psyllium macrophage polysaccharide (PL-PS) on the production of nitric oxide in leukemia cells in mouse macrophage (RAW264.7 cells) and found that PL-PS is a macrophage immunomodulatory substance.

5. Conclusion

The results indicated that the clinical efficacy of LDXGD used alone or combined with WM was superior to that of WM alone in treating eczema, but it was not possible to draw a definite conclusion as for the safety of LDXGD. The curative effect of LDXGD on eczema is certain according to the moderate-quality evidence assessed through GRADE, while other outcomes were uncertain based on current studies. Thus, further research is needed to find more convincing proof.

Data Availability

The data supporting this systematic review and mate-analysis are from previously reported studies and datasets, which have been cited. The processed data are available in the supplementary files.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest in this article.

Authors’ Contributions

Ziteng Hu did most of the work; Lidong Gao and Chengxian Li^’s workload was the second most. Additionally, Alberto Cucco contributed to translation and article polishing. Weiling Yuan helped to give suggestions for revision and was the author of the communication. Shang Wang was involved in searching the pharmacological-related literature. Fan Zhang and Shuai Kang were responsible for screening documents and Min Wang was responsible for the fluency of the text.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC no. 81273613), Special Research Project of Chinese Medicine Industry (no. 201107006), and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preventive Treatment Project (no. XJ201801).

Supplementary Materials

Table S1: search Strategy. Table S2: PRISMA Checklist. (Supplementary Materials)

References

H. Y. Sun, “Analysis of the etiology and treatment of eczema in Chinese and WM,” Nei Mongol Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 132–134, 2015.
View at: Google Scholar
Q. C. Diao, Z. B. Yang, and Y. Q. Duan, “Consensus of experts in TCM diagnosis and treatment of eczema (2016),” Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology of Integrated Traditional and WM, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 181–183, 2018.
View at: Google Scholar
Z. G. Sun, J. Z. Lu, and S. J. Zhou, “Advances in the treatment of eczema with Traditional Chinese medicine,” China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, vol. 32, no. 8, pp. 3617–3619, 2017.
View at: Google Scholar
C. C. Li, S. T. Li, and Y. H. Yin, “Overview of the occurrence of eczema and acupuncture treatment,” Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 45, no. 12, pp. 2676–2680, 2018.
View at: Google Scholar
G. R. Li, S. F. Yang, and H. Y. Ou, “Difficulties in the treatment of eczema and countermeasures of Traditional Chinese medicine,” Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology of Integrated Traditional and WM, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 253–255, 2010.
View at: Google Scholar
R. Jiao, Z. Yang, Y. Wang, J. Zhou, Y. Zeng, and Z. Liu, “The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with atopic eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Acupuncture in Medicine, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 3–14, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
C. Q. Zhou, J. Wen, and Y. Chen, “Research progress on pharmacological action and clinical application of LDXGD,” Chinese Journal of Clinical Rational Drug Use, vol. 11, no. 33, pp. 180-181, 2018.
View at: Google Scholar
Y. Y. Sun, J. Y. Mao, and D. L. Cao, “Pharmacological action and application progress of LDXGD and its prescription in the treatment of skin diseases,” World Clinical Drugs, vol. 35, no. 10, pp. 647–651, 2014.
View at: Google Scholar
M. Kouadir, Study of Hepatoprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Long Dan Xie Gan Decoction and Their Mechanisms, Yangzhou University, Nanjing, China, 2007.
D. Moher, A. Liberati, and J. Tetzlaff, “Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement,” PLoS Medicine, vol. 6, no. 7, Article ID e1000097, 2009.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. P. T. Higgins and S. Green, “Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 5.1.0,” Naunyn Schmiedebergs Archiv Fur experimentelle Pathologie und Pharmakologie, vol. 5, no. 2, p. S38, 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
Q. You, L. Li, and X. Ma, “Meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine as adjuvant therapy for refractory androgenetic alopecia,” Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2019, Article ID 9274148, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. Deng, “Clinical study of LDXGD combined with Ebastine in the treatment of eczema,” Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 33, no. 7, pp. 819-820, 2017.
View at: Google Scholar
D. S. Qian, “Clinical study of LDXGD combined with Azoastine in the treatment of acute eczema,” Drug Evaluation, vol. 16, no. 20, pp. 622-623, 2019.
View at: Google Scholar
D. H. Wu, “Clinical effect analysis of LDXGD combined with WM on acute eczema (Damp-heat syndrome),” Health Care Guidelines Journal, vol. 13, p. 275, 2019.
View at: Google Scholar
X. G. Zhu, “Clinical observation of LDXGD combined with WM in treatment of acute eczema (Damp-heat syndrome),” Journal of Emergency in Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 881–883, 2016.
View at: Google Scholar
W. W. Ye and H. Gao, “Observation on curative effect of LDXGD on eczema of scrotum,” Zhejiang Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and WM, vol. 19, no. 6, p. 379, 2009.
View at: Google Scholar
X. B. Dong, “Observation of curative effect of LDXGD combined with WM on anal Eczema,” Chinese Journal of Ethnomedicine and Ethnopharmacy, vol. 22, no. 10, p. 144, 2013.
View at: Google Scholar
H. Hui and J. G. Lu, “Clinical observation of LDXGD in the treatment of perianal eczema,” Health Care Guidelines Journal, vol. 22, pp. 70–95, 2016.
View at: Google Scholar
Z. L. Zhou, Z. X. Hang, and J. F. Zhu, “Clinical observation of LDXGD combined with Tri New Cream in the treatment of dampness and heat in perianal eczema,” World Journal of Complex Medicine, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 139–141, 2020.
View at: Google Scholar
Z. S. Duan, “LDXGD was used to treat 30 cases of dampness-heat type acute eczema,” Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 19-20, 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
Q. F. Gao, “The clinical value of LDXGD in treating eczema,” Modern Health Journal, vol. 8, p. 94, 2016.
View at: Google Scholar
J. M. Li, “Clinical observation of LDXGD in the treatment of chronic dampness-heat eczema,” Guangming Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 34, no. 19, pp. 2961–2963, 2019.
View at: Google Scholar
C. C. Liao, L. J. Zhao, and X. Zhang, “Observation on curative effect of LDXGD in treating acute eczema,” Journal of Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 35, no. 7, pp. 182–185, 2017.
View at: Google Scholar
Y. S. Lu, “Clinical study of LDXGD in treating acute eczema with dampness-heat immersion,” China Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 888-889, 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
J. H. Luo and Q. Q. Qin, “Clinical observation of LDXGD in the treatment of 40 cases of chronic dampness-heat eczema,” Journal of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 8304-8305, 2013.
View at: Google Scholar
T. Liu, Q. Cai, and Y. Q. Fu, “Research progress of Chinese medicine Longdancao,” Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 85-86, 2004.
View at: Google Scholar
X. Z. Jin and M. Xu, “Experimental study of extract of Gentiana scabra Bye on anti-inflammation, analgesic, anti-anoxia and anti-fatigue effects,” Lishizhen Medicine and Materia Medica Research, vol. 16, no. 9, pp. 842-843, 2005.
View at: Google Scholar
Z. H. Li, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Experimental Study of Mice Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China, 2014.
T. Zhao, H. Tang, L. Xie et al., “Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Lamiaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology,” Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, vol. 71, no. 9, pp. 1353–1369, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
K. J. Woo, J. H. Lim, S.-I. Suh et al., “Differential inhibitory effects of baicalein and baicalin on LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression through inhibition of C/EBPβ DNA-binding activity,” Immunobiology, vol. 211, no. 5, pp. 359–368, 2006.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
Y.-Z. Yang, Y.-Z. Tang, and Y.-H. Liu, “Wogonoside displays anti-inflammatory effects through modulating inflammatory mediator expression using RAW264.7 cells,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 148, no. 1, pp. 271–276, 2013.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
Y. Chen, X. T. Zhang, and L. H. Zhang, “The studies of chemical components and their Pharmacological Effects in Gardenia Jasminoides,” Strait Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. 22, no. 12, pp. 1–5, 2010.
View at: Google Scholar
Y.-Y. Sung, A. Y. Lee, and H. K. Kim, “The gardenia jasminoides extract and its constituent, geniposide, elicit anti-allergic effects on atopic dermatitis by inhibiting histamine in vitro and in vivo,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 156, no. 15, pp. 33–40, 2014.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. L. Fang, Y. C. Liu, and Q. H. Zhang, “Study on the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of geniposide,” Lishizhen Medicine and Materia Medica Research, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 1374–1376, 2008.
View at: Google Scholar
Q. Shi, S. Q. Nie, and L. Q. Huang, “New progression of chemical component and pharmacological studies of Radix Bupleuri,” Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 53–56, 2002.
View at: Google Scholar
J. Wu, Effects of Bupleurum Polysaccharides on the Immunologic Function and TLR4 Signaling Pathway of Macrophages, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 2012.
C. C. Yang, The Clinical and Experimental Study on Treating Damp-Heat Eczema by LongDan Mixture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China, 2005.
L. Yi, Y. Liang, H. Wu, and D. Yuan, “The analysis of radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui),” Journal of Chromatography A, vol. 1216, no. 11, pp. 1991–2001, 2009.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Sakai, H. Ochiai, K. Nakajima, and K. Terasawa, “Inhibitory effect of ferulic acid on macrophage inflammatory protein-2 production in a murine macrophage cell line, raw264.7,” Cytokine, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 242–248, 1997.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Sakai, H. Kawamata, T. Kogure et al., “Inhibitory effect of ferulic acid and isoferulic acid on the production of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 in response to respiratory syncytial virus infection in RAW264.7 cells,” Mediators of Inflammation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 173–175, 1999.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. J. Ma, X. Wang, and L. Chen, “Advance in research of angelica Sinensis,” Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 280–282, 2002.
View at: Google Scholar
G. H. Fu and X. Du, “Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Dihuang,” China Medicine and Pharmacy, vol. 5, no. 15, pp. 39–41, 2015.
View at: Google Scholar
S. R. Zhao, Y. W. Lu, and L. Z. Yuan, “Effects of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide on immune function of mice,” Bull Acad Mil Med Sci, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 217–219, 2006.
View at: Google Scholar
P. Wang, “Modern pharmacological research and clinical application of Sheng Dihuang,” Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China, vol. 6, no. 8, p. 986, 2008.
View at: Google Scholar
A. H. Liang, B. Y. Xue, and H. Wang, “A study on hemostatic and immunological actions of fresh and dry Dihuang,” China Journal of Chinese Materials in Medicine, vol. 24, no. 11, pp. 663–666, 1999.
View at: Google Scholar
J. Li, X. Li, and M. M. Cao, “Research progress in pharmacological actions of liquorice and proportion of couplet medicines in combination,” Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 53, no. 7, pp. 83–87, 2019.
View at: Google Scholar
A. Guo, D. He, and H. B. Xu, “Promotion of regulatory T cell inductiony immunomodulatory herbal medicine licorice and its two constituents,” Science Reports, vol. 15, no. 5, p. 14046, 2015.
View at: Google Scholar
X. L. Yang, D. Liu, and K. Bian, “Study on in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of total flavonoids of licorice and its components,” China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 99–104, 2013.
View at: Google Scholar
Z. Z. Xing, W. Chen, and Y. Zeng, “Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Zexie (Alisma orientalis),” Guiding Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, vol. 23, no. 15, pp. 75–78, 2017.
View at: Google Scholar
S. S. Liu, J. Guo, and Z. A. Li, “Advances in studies on chemical compositions of Alismatis Rhizoma and their biological activities,” China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, vol. 45, no. 7, pp. 1578–1595, 2020.
View at: Google Scholar
J. Choi, H.-J. Jung, K.-T. Lee, and H.-J. Park, “Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the saponin and sapogenins obtained from the stem of akebia quinata,” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 78–85, 2005.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
C. C. Li, S. X. Gong, and J. Xu, “Research progress on chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Semen Plantaginis and predictive analysis on Q-marker,” Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs, vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 1233–1246, 2018.
View at: Google Scholar
Z. Q. Zhang, F. Li, and Z. S. Sun, “Study on pharmacodynamics of plantago seed,” Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 87–89, 1996.
View at: Google Scholar
Y. Q. Chen, S. P. Nie, and D. F. Huang, “Effect of polysaccharide isolated from the seed of Plantago asiatica L. on the nitric oxide production by RAW264.7 cells,” Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin, vol. 25, no. 8, pp. 1119-1120, 2009.
View at: Google Scholar

Copyright

Copyright © 2021 Ziteng Hu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

PDF Download Citation

Download other formats

Order printed copies

Views

1355

Downloads

969

Citations