A Study on the Hypoglycemic Effect and Safety of Combined-Therapy of Baekhogainsam-tang and Hypoglycemic Agent for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients without Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Baekhogainsam-tang for type 2 diabetes without complications by systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: For a systematic review and meta-analysis, we set a key question in accordance with PICOT-SD. We searched the following up to March 31. 2021: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, CiNii, KISS, KMBASE, OASIS, and ScienceON. A meta-analysis was conducted by synthesizing the results, including fasting plasma glucose level, postprandial 2-hour plasma glucose level, and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c).Results: A total of five trials are included in this systemic review. The treatment group (Baekhogainsam-tang plus conventional treatment) showed more statistically significant effect than did the control group (conventional treatment only) in fasting plasma glucose level, postprandial 2-hour plasma glucose level, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).Conclusions: Baekhogainsam-tang showed statistically significant effects in hypoglycemic effect and in improving insulin resistance. However, the number of studies included in the meta-analysis was insufficient, and the BIT used in the included studies was not standardized. This topic requires further attention and more clinical research.