Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of Chaihu Guizhi-tang (CGT) for depressive symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as “Chaihu Guizhi,” “depression,” and “post-stroke depression.” A meta-analysis was performed according to outcome measurements including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Total Effective Rate (TER), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels, and incidence of adverse events, using Review Manager software.Results: Seven RCTs were included. The CGT plus antidepressant group showed significant improvements in HAMD (SMD=-1.10, 95% CI: -1.64 to -0.55, PChaihu Guizhi-tang combined with antidepressants may improve depressive symptoms and reduce adverse reactions.
Kim et al. (Tue,) studied this question.