Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the differences in the efficacy of commonly used topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparations (CCPPs) for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical drug regimens.MethodsComputer searched major Chinese and English li...

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Main Authors: Lizheng Wu, Shangwen Jing, Na Li, Dandan Cao, Fangli Pei, Yantong Luo, Xiaoxin Chen, Yingjie Huang, Cheng Zeng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1484325/full
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author Lizheng Wu
Shangwen Jing
Na Li
Dandan Cao
Fangli Pei
Yantong Luo
Xiaoxin Chen
Yingjie Huang
Cheng Zeng
author_facet Lizheng Wu
Shangwen Jing
Na Li
Dandan Cao
Fangli Pei
Yantong Luo
Xiaoxin Chen
Yingjie Huang
Cheng Zeng
author_sort Lizheng Wu
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the differences in the efficacy of commonly used topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparations (CCPPs) for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical drug regimens.MethodsComputer searched major Chinese and English literature databases, and collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of external use of CCPPs combined with conventional treatment (CT, test group) versus CT alone (control group) in patients with VVC. After screening the literature, the quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool recommended in 5.3 of the Cochrane Handbook. Outcome data for each outcome measure were extracted and a network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0.ResultsA total of 74 RCTs with a total of 8,151 patients were included, nine interventions were involved. The results of network meta-analysis showed that, Fufang Shajiziyou suppository combined with CT was more effective in improving the negative conversion rate and controlling the recurrence rate of Candida albicans. Kangfu gel combined with CT had the better effect in relieving pruritus. Baofukang suppository combined with CT was the most effective in reducing leukorrhea. Fufukang spray combined with CT had fewer adverse reactions.ConclusionThe addition of CCPPs to CT may acquire a better curative effect in patients with VVC and external does not significantly increase the occurrence of adverse reactions. However, due to the low quality of the included literature, larger-scale, higher-quality clinical studies are still needed.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, NO: CRD42023410244.
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publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Pharmacology
spelling doaj-art-b5a0c07eb59945f2b9fe17475ebe59872025-02-03T06:33:39ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122025-02-011610.3389/fphar.2025.14843251484325Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysisLizheng Wu0Shangwen Jing1Na Li2Dandan Cao3Fangli Pei4Yantong Luo5Xiaoxin Chen6Yingjie Huang7Cheng Zeng8The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaScience and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaThe Basic Medicine College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaAffiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, ChinaDepartment of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaThe First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaThe First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaThe First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaDepartment of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, ChinaObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the differences in the efficacy of commonly used topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparations (CCPPs) for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical drug regimens.MethodsComputer searched major Chinese and English literature databases, and collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of external use of CCPPs combined with conventional treatment (CT, test group) versus CT alone (control group) in patients with VVC. After screening the literature, the quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool recommended in 5.3 of the Cochrane Handbook. Outcome data for each outcome measure were extracted and a network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0.ResultsA total of 74 RCTs with a total of 8,151 patients were included, nine interventions were involved. The results of network meta-analysis showed that, Fufang Shajiziyou suppository combined with CT was more effective in improving the negative conversion rate and controlling the recurrence rate of Candida albicans. Kangfu gel combined with CT had the better effect in relieving pruritus. Baofukang suppository combined with CT was the most effective in reducing leukorrhea. Fufukang spray combined with CT had fewer adverse reactions.ConclusionThe addition of CCPPs to CT may acquire a better curative effect in patients with VVC and external does not significantly increase the occurrence of adverse reactions. However, due to the low quality of the included literature, larger-scale, higher-quality clinical studies are still needed.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, NO: CRD42023410244.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1484325/fullvulvovaginal candidiasiscommercial Chinese polyherbal preparation (CCPP)Chinese patent medicinetraditional Chinese medicine (TCM)anti-fungal drugsnetwork meta-analysis
spellingShingle Lizheng Wu
Shangwen Jing
Na Li
Dandan Cao
Fangli Pei
Yantong Luo
Xiaoxin Chen
Yingjie Huang
Cheng Zeng
Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis
Frontiers in Pharmacology
vulvovaginal candidiasis
commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation (CCPP)
Chinese patent medicine
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
anti-fungal drugs
network meta-analysis
title Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis
title_full Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis
title_fullStr Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis
title_short Comparative efficacy of topical commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a network meta-analysis
title_sort comparative efficacy of topical commercial chinese polyherbal preparation for vulvovaginal candidiasis a network meta analysis
topic vulvovaginal candidiasis
commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation (CCPP)
Chinese patent medicine
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
anti-fungal drugs
network meta-analysis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1484325/full
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