Review Article Chinese Herbal Medicine and Depression: The Research Evidence

Abstract

License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Background. Alternative approaches for managing depression are oen sought and herbal mixtures are widely used in China. e aim of this paper was to provide an overall picture of the current evidence by analysing published systematic reviews and presenting a supplementary systematic review of trials in Western databases. Methods. Searches were conducted using AMED, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, and trial registers. Results were screened and selected trials were evaluated by two reviewers working independently. Systematic reviews were identi�ed and assessed using key criteria. Results. Five systematic reviews were located addressing the Chinese literature, adjunctive use of Chinese herbs, and the formulae Chaihu-Shugan-San, Xiao Yao San, and Free and Easy Wanderer Plus. e supplementary review located 8 trials, 3 of which were not included in previous reviews. Positive results were reported: no signi�cant differences from medication, greater effect than medication or placebo, reduced adverse event rates when combined or compared with antidepressants. However, limitations in methodology and reportingwere revealed.Conclusions. Despite promising results, particularly forXiaoYao San and itsmodi�cations, the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in depression could not be fully substantiated based on current evidence. Further well-designed, well-reported trials that re�ect practice may be worth pursuing. 1