Abstract
BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of Runzao Zhiyang capsules (RZC) plus antihistamines (AHs) for chronic eczema. METHODS: A search involving 8 databases were conducted to collect studies on RZC with AHs for chronic eczema from inception to July 2024. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies with 3071 participants were identified in this meta-analysis. Compared to the AHs group, the total effective rate of the RZC group was higher (relative risk [RR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24-1.36, P < .001) and a lower recurrence rate (RR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.21-0.51, P < .001). The RZC group demonstrated better outcomes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (mean difference [MD] = -1.44, 95% CI = -2.18 to -0.70, P < .001), severity of pruritus (MD = -0.24, 95% CI = -0.32 to -0.15, P < .001), and serum total IgE level (MD = -18.80, 95% CI = -25.20 to -12.40, P < .001). With respect to safety, the RZC group exhibited a reduced incidence of drowsiness (RR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.28-0.87, P = .01), while the incidences of headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort did not differ significantly from the AHs group (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.46-1.90, P = .85); (RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.71-2.79, P = .32). CONCLUSION: RZC when added to conventional AHs, further enhance the treatment efficacy for chronic eczema and significantly reduce the incidence of drowsiness.