Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao formula (XYF) as an adjuvant treatment of post-stroke depression (PSD) by conducting a meta-analysis.
Methods: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases were searched up to May 2016. Randomized controlled trials investigating XYF plus antidepressants versus antidepressants alone for patients with PSD were considered.
Results: A total of 607 PSD patients were identified from 7 trials. Adjuvant treatment with XYF had additional benefits in terms of improved total response rates (risk ratio [RR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.30), reduced Hamilton's depressive scale (weighted mean difference [WMD] -5.21; 95% CI: -7.48 to -2.95), and decreased Scandinavian Stroke Scale (WMD -6.35; 95% CI: -8.27 to -4.43). No serious adverse events were observed in any of the included trials.
Conclusions: Adjuvant treatment with XYF appears to have additional benefits in the treatment of PSD, without increasing serious adverse events.
Keywords: Xiaoyao formula; Xiaoyao pill; meta-analysis; post-stroke depression.
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