Selected traditional Chinese medicines for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Objective To assess the effectiveness of specific Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using Bayesian network meta-analysis. Methods PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and four Chinese databases up to 15th December 2024 was searched, including RCTs on adult Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients treated with TCM therapies (Chinese herbal medicine, preparations, non-pharmacological treatments) alone or combined with conventional treatments. Controls included no intervention, placebo, conventional treatments, or combinations. Primary outcomes were functional status (ALSFRS, ALSFRS-R, AALSS, m-Norris scales). Bayesian network meta-analysis compared treatment effects and calculated SUCRA values. Results Thirty-five RCTs involving 27 TCM therapies were included. No significant differences in functional status or quality of life were found among TCM therapies, ICT, Riluzole alone, and Riluzole plus placebo. For functional status, Shenmai injection + ICT (SUCRA 0.735 for ALSFRS, 0.870 for ALSFRS-R), Jiweiling injection + placebo (SUCRA 0.868 for ALSFRS), Jiawei Sijunzi decoction alone (SUCRA 0.739 for ALSFRS-R), Acupuncture + rehabilitation exercises + Riluzole (SUCRA 0.928 for AALSS, 0.863 for m-Norris) and Shenzhe Jiangqi powder + placebo (SUCRA 0.860 for m-Norris) had the highest probabilities of being superior treatment. For quality of life, Thunder fire moxibustion + Riluzole and Jiweiling injection + placebo for ALSAQ-40 were favorable. Conclusion Despite no significant differences in functional status among TCM therapies, ICT, Riluzole alone, and Riluzole plus placebo, Jiweiling injection, Shenmai injection, Jiawei Sijunzi decoction, and Shenzhe Jiangqi powder may be regarded as candidate preparations for ALS patients. Future research should focus on real-world data to explore long-term effects and practical benefits. Systematic Review Registration https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-8-0050/ , identifier INPLASY202480050.