Effectiveness of Shugan Jieyu capsules for psychiatric symptoms of epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #epilepsy #antidepressive-agents #anticonvulsants #seizures

Effectiveness of Shugan Jieyu capsules for psychiatric symptoms of epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kim et al., 2024 | BMC Complement Med Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kim Sejin, Kim Yunna, Cho Seung-Hun. Effectiveness of Shugan Jieyu capsules for psychiatric symptoms of epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024-Jan-29;24(1):63. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04361-0

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relationship between epilepsy and depression is bidirectional. One condition exacerbates the other. However, there are no current guidelines for treating depression in epilepsy patients. In some cases, seizures worsen when antidepressants (AD) are prescribed or when they are discontinued due to adverse events. The Shugan Jieyu capsule, composed of Acanthopanax senticosus and Hypericum perforatum, is a widely used herbal medicine for treating depression. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules (SJC) in relieving depression in patients with epilepsy. METHODS: We searched English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese databases in October 2023 to collect all relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were the depression scale scores and seizure frequency. The secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL) and adverse events. RESULTS: Nine RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with AD, SJC showed significant differences in the improvement of depression (SMD: 3.82, 95% CI: 3.25, 4.39) and reduction in seizure frequency (MD: 0.39 times/month, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.50). SJC showed more beneficial results than antiepileptic drugs (AED) in terms of antidepressant effects (SMD: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.51) and QoL (MD: 11.75, 95% CI: 10.55, 12.95). When patients were prescribed AED, the additional administration of SJC improved depression symptoms (SMD: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.63). The SJC treatment group had a lower incidence of side effects than the control group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that SJC may be effective in treating depression in patients with epilepsy. Additionally, SJC has the potential to help reduce seizure frequency in epilepsy patients with depression.

Key Findings

Nine RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with AD, SJC showed significant differences in the improvement of depression (SMD: 3.82, 95% CI: 3.25, 4.39) and reduction in seizure frequency (MD: 0.39 times/month, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.50). SJC showed more beneficial results than antiepileptic drugs (AED) in terms of antidepressant effects (SMD: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.51) and QoL (MD: 11.75, 95% CI: 10.55, 12.95). When patients were prescribed AED, the additional administration of SJC improved

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population epilepsy
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Epilepsy
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Seizures

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: st.-john's-wort

Provenance

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