The methodological reporting quality in strictly randomized controlled trials for COVID-19 and precise reporting of Chinese herbal medicine formula intervention.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulas played an important role during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CHM for COVID-19 were quickly published. Concerns have been raised about their quality. In addition, inadequate detailed information on CHM formula intervention may arouse suspicion about their effectiveness. We aim to assess the most recent evidence of the methodological reporting quality of these RCTs with strict randomization, and the precise reporting of the CHM formula intervention.

Methods

RCTs on CHM formulas for COVID-19 were searched from nine databases. The CONSORT 2010, CONSORT-CHM Formulas 2017, and risk of bias were the guidelines used to assess the included RCTs. The checklist of sub-q

SUBMITTER: Chen ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11994931 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature