Efficacy and safety of Shaoyao Gancao Tang for restless leg syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common and chronic neurological disease characterized by an irresistible overwhelming urge to move the legs. In recent years, growing body of clinical trials has demonstrated that -traditional Chinese herbal medicine Shaoyao Gancao Tang (SG-Tang) may improve RLS. However, critical examination available evidence warranted. This study aimed evaluate efficacy safety SG-Tang in treatment The protocol this was registered published at International Prospective Register Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020173520). Randomized (RCTs) on RLS were identified searching Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web Science, Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang VIP Information Database from inception February 14, 2022. primary outcome measurements total effective rate, secondary included Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale for Severity (IRLS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), incidence adverse events. Review Manager 5.3 software utilized conduct quantitative synthesis according Handbook Interventions Preferred Reporting Items Meta-Analyses guidelines. Six eligible RCTs meta-analysis. Compared conventional medications, intervention showed significant improvements rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.09,1.36), P 0.004), IRLS (mean difference [MD] −4.74, CI (−8.65, −0.83), 0.02), PSQI (MD −2.54, (−4.34, −0.74), 0.006) with less events (RR 0.21, (0.09, 0.31), 0.0005). be safe as complementary alternative relieve results need interpreted caution because limited data undesirable methodological quality studies. More well-designed, large-scale, high-quality, multi-center are required performed further verification.