The effects of Gegen Qinlian decoction and its main constituents on glucolipid metabolic disorders in diabetes: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis

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#humans #diabetes-mellitus #drugs-chinese-herbal #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #systematic-reviews-as-topic

The effects of Gegen Qinlian decoction and its main constituents on glucolipid metabolic disorders in diabetes: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Xue et al., 2025 | Syst Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Xue Chongxiang, Chen Ying, ... Wang Han. The effects of Gegen Qinlian decoction and its main constituents on glucolipid metabolic disorders in diabetes: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Syst Rev. 2025-Jul-30;14(1):158. doi:10.1186/s13643-025-02914-z

Abstract

Currently, an increasing number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) are opting for combined functional substances in edible plant products, like herbal prescription or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), to enhance the efficacy of blood glucose and lipid profile control. Among various TCM-included treatments available, Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) is frequently utilized. Nevertheless, the efficacy and safety of GQD and its main constituents (berberine, puerarin, etc.) in managing glucolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) in DM remain under considerable debate. This overview aims to provide a concise summary of the key findings from systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMAs) on GQD and its main constituents for GLMD in DM, while also assessing the methodological quality of these reviews. A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted with no language restrictions, covering the period from inception to February 20th, 2025. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and strength of evidence of those included SRMAs were accessed. Overlapping randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were excluded, and the results of included meta-analysis were summarized. After screening, 35 studies matching the inclusion criteria were identified. The current evidence indicated that GQD, berberine, and puerarin appeared to be effective in improving the anti-diabetes role. As for blood lipid profile, it is indicated that GQD and berberine intervention could effectively reduce total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c). Consequently, further high-quality primary studies are imperative to establish a more conclusive understanding of GQD and its main constituents for GLMD in DM.

Key Findings

Consequently, further high-quality primary studies are imperative to establish a more conclusive understanding of GQD and its main constituents for GLMD in DM.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 35
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: berberine

Provenance

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