Efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao San in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Xiaoyao San (XYS) has been increasingly used in China for treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but its efficacy and safety remain unclear.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of XYS compared to standard biomedical treatments (SBT) in CFS patients.

Methods

A comprehensive search of English and Chinese databases was conducted up to December 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials comparing XYS or XYS + SBT to SBT alone. Primary outcomes were effective rate (ER) and fatigue scale-14 (FS-14). Secondary outcomes included self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and adverse events (AEs). Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4, and evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE appro

SUBMITTER: Wang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11839657 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature