Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Hyperlipidemia, a global health threat linked to lifestyle changes and aging, is associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Traditional Chinese Medicine like acupuncture and moxibustion has gained attention for holistic balance restoration, with advantages of lower costs and fewer severe adverse events in hyperlipidemia treatment. However, study findings are inconsistent and lack relevant meta-analysis. Thus, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate their efficacy and safety, providing evidence for clinical decision-making. Methods: Comprehensive searches will be conducted across MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, Sinomed, and VIP (from database inception to October 1, 2025), plus manual retrieval of references and key journals. Two reviewers will screen studies, extract data, and assess quality, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses will be performed via Review Manager 5.4, and evidence quality graded by The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Results: Eligible RCTs will be collated, outcome indicators statistically synthesized, and typical studies’ strengths, limitations, and result differences discussed. Conclusion: Main findings will be summarized to comprehensively evaluate efficacy (lipid improvement, symptom relief) and safety (adverse events) of acupuncture and moxibustion for hyperlipidemia.