Pediatric efficacy and safety in common cold treated with herbal medicine (PEACH): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The common cold is one of the most frequent illnesses in children, yet effective and safe treatments remain limited. Concerns regarding the safety of conventional medications persist. Herbal medicine (HM) has long been used, but the quantity and certainty of evidence in children have not been systematically summarized.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42024610421). Nine databases were searched to October 2024. Eligible studies included pediatric patients (<19 years) treated with oral HM compared with conventional medicine, placebo, or no treatment. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2, and certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE.

Results

Sixty-six

SUBMITTER: Kim SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12847374 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature