Traditional herbal medicine for opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional herbal medicine (THM) in improving opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in patients with cancer.

Methods

To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating orally administered THM for OIC in patients with cancer, a comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted from inception to 29 August 2024. The primary outcome was improvement in OIC, which was assessed using the total effective rate (TER). Secondary outcomes included stool form, difficulty of defecation, defecation time, and the Karnofsky performance scale (KPS). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and the certainty of evidence was eva

SUBMITTER: Lee SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855494 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature