A new review pooled data from 1,364 people with gallstones to see how certain traditional Chinese medicine formulas compare with standard Western medicine. The formulas included ZNDST, SGLDQRF, and RPDSJN, which contain compounds such as quercetin, wogonin, paeoniflorin, and aloe-emodin.
The review looked at total effective rate, TCM syndrome scores, and blood levels of liver enzymes AST and ALT. ZNDST ranked highest for total effective rate, SGLDQRF showed potential for improving syndrome scores, and RPDSJN appeared to modulate AST and ALT levels. Side effects were reported as mild and self-limiting.
However, the certainty of this evidence was low to very low. The review was limited by the way the studies were connected and by differences among the studies. The rankings and syndrome-based strategies are exploratory, and the idea that anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways work together is only a hypothesis.
For now, these findings are early and should not change treatment decisions. Anyone with gallstones should talk with their doctor about the best approach for their situation.
Common questions
Is this treatment safe for gallstones?
The review reported that adverse events were mild and self-limiting. However, serious adverse events and discontinuations were not reported, and the certainty of evidence was low to very low. Talk with your doctor before trying any new treatment.
Who might benefit from these TCM formulas?
The review included 1,364 patients with cholelithiasis. The formulas were compared with conventional Western medicine. Because the evidence is low certainty, it is not clear who would benefit most. A doctor can help assess if this approach is appropriate.
How do these TCM formulas compare with standard treatment?
The review suggested some formulas may be superior to conventional Western medicine for total effective rate and other outcomes. But the rankings are exploratory and the evidence certainty is low to very low. More research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
What are the side effects of these herbal formulas?
The review stated that adverse events were mild and self-limiting. No serious adverse events or discontinuations were reported. However, the lack of detailed safety data means you should discuss potential risks with your doctor.
