Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of Flunarizine Hydrochloride combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction in the treatment of migraine headaches

Abstract

Objectives:

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and superiority of Flunarizine Hydrochloride when combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Decoctions in treating migraine headaches.

Method:

The authors conducted a comprehensive search for clinical Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) investigating the combination of Flunarizine Hydrochloride with Chinese herbal decoctions in treating migraines. The databases searched included CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, WOI, Cochrane Library, and Embase, covering the period from January 1, 2019, to November 10, 2023. Two independent researchers meticulously screened, extracted, and assessed the relevant data, employing the Revman 5.3 software for meta-analysis.

Results:

The meta-analysis revealed that, in comparison to Flunarizine Hydrochloride used in isolation, the combination with Chinese herbal decoctions markedly enhanced the effective rate (RR = 1.26, 95 % CI [1.18, 1.34], p < 0.0001). Moreover, significant improvements were observed in the TCM symptom score (MD = 4.97, 95 % CI [-6.74, -3.19], p < 0.00001). The observation group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in endothelin levels compared to the control group (I² = 85 %, MD = -13.66, 95 % CI [-17.87, -9.45], p = 0.0001). The observation group showed a significant reduction in NRS scores compared to the control group, indicating better outcomes (I² = 95 %, MD = -2.11, 95 % CI [-3.09, -1.12], p < 0.0001). The observation group was superior to the control group in terms of the reduction in the number of episodes (I² = 63 %, MD = -1.16, 95 % CI [-1.45, -0.87], p = 0.007).

Conclusions:

The confluence of Flunarizine Hydrochloride with traditional Chinese medicine decoctions in treating migraine patients demonstrated substantial clinical efficacy and improvement in TCM symptom score over the use of Flunarizine Hydrochloride alone.

Keywords:
Flunarizine Hydrochloride; Traditional Chinese medicine decoction; Migraine; Chinese medicine symptom score; Meta-analysis

HIGHLIGHTS

Flunarizine Hydrochloride combined with TCM notably enhances migraine management.

Flunarizine Hydrochloride and TCM improve TCM scores, endothelin, NRS and VAS scores.

Flunarizine Hydrochloride combined with TCM reduces headache frequency and duration.

Standardized protocols are crucial to understand TCM’s role in migraine management better.