Shengmai (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) for heart failure

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#cardiotonic-agents #drug-combinations #drugs-chinese-herbal #heart-failure #humans

Shengmai (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) for heart failure

Zheng et al., 2011 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zheng Huixian, Chen Yanling, ... Xiong Wenmei. Shengmai (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) for heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Feb-16(2):CD005052. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005052.pub3

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a major public health problem worldwide. Shengmai (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) has long been used as a complementary treatment for heart failure in China. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects (both benefits and harms) of Shengmai plus usual treatment versus usual treatment alone for heart failure. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL and DARE on The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2008), EMBASE (1984 to August 2008), AMED (1985 to August 2008) and BIOSIS (1997 to August 2008) and CBM (1978 to August 2008). We added two new Chinese databases for the update; VIP (1989 to September 2008) and CNKI (1979 to September 2008). We also handsearched Chinese journals. No language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Shengmai plus usual treatment versus usual treatment alone or Shengmai versus placebo for heart failure, irrespective of blinding status, were included. More stringent inclusion criteria were applied in this update and only studies that have a clear description of randomisation methods are classed as true RCTs and hence included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected trials, assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Dichotomous and continuous data were calculated as relative risk (RR), and mean differences (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD). Random-effect model and fixed-effect model were used to perform meta-analysis for with and without heterogeneity respectively. MAIN RESULTS: Only six RCTs with a total of 440 patients were included in this updated review. Compared to usual treatment alone, Shengmai plus usual treatment in five trials indicated an improvement in NYHA classification (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.54). Other benefits were observed, but were limited to low patient numbers and significant heterogeneity: ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, exercise test and ratio of peak early to late diastolic filling velocity. Only one RCT with 40 patients compared Shengmai to placebo, and improvements were seen in stroke volume, Heath and Cardic index and myocardial contractility. Two studies reported mild adverse effects, but no patients were withdrawn or needed medication due to these adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Shengmai may be beneficial for heart failure compared to placebo or plus usual treatment compared to usual treatment alone. However, long-term and more high quality studies are needed to provide clear evidence for the future use of Shengmai.

Key Findings

Only six RCTs with a total of 440 patients were included in this updated review. Compared to usual treatment alone, Shengmai plus usual treatment in five trials indicated an improvement in NYHA classification (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.54). Other benefits were observed, but were limited to low patient numbers and significant heterogeneity: ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, exercise test and ratio of peak early to late diastolic filling velocity. Only one RCT with 40 patients comp

Outcomes Measured

  • diastolic blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 440
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Heart Failure
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: cochrane-herbal-medicine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09