Evaluating the Effectiveness of Moxibustion in Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Our systematic review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of moxibustion (MXB) therapy for hyperlipidemia (HLP) by analyzing pre and post treatment outcomes. Methods: This meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated MXB therapy's effects on adult HLP patients, assessing pre- and post-treatment Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Apolipoprotein B (Apo AI), Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) and lipid profiles including Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), using a random-effects model. Results showed significant changes in these parameters, indicating MXB's potential efficacy in improving lipid metabolism and related markers. Results: The analysis includes six studies comprising 228 HLP patients (males: 25.43%, females: 51.75%, unknown: 22.8%). Result showed significant difference in TC [OR = 0.69 (0.13, 1.24), p = 0.02], LDL [OR = 0.42 (0.22, 0.63), p = 0.00], Apo B [OR = 0.33 (0.06, 0.60), p = 0.02] FBS [OR = 0.38 (0.05, 0.71), p = 0.02], and TG [OR = 0.35 (0.16, 0.54), p = 0.00] values in post treatment group compared to pre-treatment group. However, no significant changes was analyzed in values of HDL [OR = -0.16 (-0.38, 0.06), p = 0.16], and Apo Al [OR = 0.01 (-0.26, 0.28), p = 0.96] Conclusion: Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between MXB therapy and HLP. This supports the clinical application of MXB for HLP treatment. However, further high-quality studies with optimal doses in high-risk population and comprehensive safety reporting would enhance clinical applicability.