Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compounds for lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

This meta-analysis suggests that CHC is more effective than Western medicine in treating LDH, with benefits in pain relief and functional improvement. However, the evidence quality was downgraded due to significant risks of bias, high heterogeneity in outcomes, and the limited number of studies reporting safety data. Future studies should address these limitations through more rigorous study designs, longer follow-up periods, and standardized protocols. If future trials confirm these findings, CHC may be a valuable complementary treatment for LDH, particularly in patients with NSAID intolerance or chronic conditions.