The Effect of Combined Therapy with Chaihu Guizhi-tang for Major Depressive Disorder and Post-stroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of Chaihu Guizhi-tang (CGT) for depressive symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as “Chaihu Guizhi,” “depression,” and “post-stroke depression.” A meta-analysis was performed according to outcome measurements including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Total Effective Rate (TER), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels, and incidence of adverse events, using Review Manager software.Results: Seven RCTs were included. The CGT plus antidepressant group showed significant improvements in HAMD (SMD=-1.10, 95% CI: -1.64 to -0.55, P<0.0001) and TER (RR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.32, P<0.00001), with additional benefits in HAMA, PSQI, and 5-HT levels. The incidence of adverse events was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group.Conclusion: Chaihu Guizhi-tang combined with antidepressants may improve depressive symptoms and reduce adverse reactions.