The Effect of Gammaekdaejo-tang for Post-stroke Depression: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of Gammaekdaejo-tang for post-stroke depression through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as “Post-stroke Depression”, “PSD”, “Gammaekdaejo”, and “Ganmai-dazao” on April 30, 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted according to outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), and NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), using the Review Manager website.Results: A total of 10 RCTs was selected. The treatment group ((Gammaekdaejo-tang) or (Gammaekdaejo-tang combined with other ingredients or decoction)+Western medicine) showed significant improvement effects in terms of TER, HDRS, and NIHSS compared to the control group (Western medicine). [TER] RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.27, P<0.00001, RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.38, P<0.00001; [HDRS] MD: -2.29, 95% CI: -2.58 to -2.00, P<0.00001), MD: -3.28, 95% CI: -4.21 to -2.35, P<0.00001) [NIHSS] MD: -7.70, 95% CI: -8.52 to -6.89, P<0.00001.Conclusion: This study suggests that Gammaekdaejo-tang is effective in treating PSD. However, there are limitations, such as the small number of included studies, inability to clearly determine the effect of Gammaekdaejo-tang, inability to use various evaluation tools, and risk of bias. This research must be supplemented through systematic research design and implementation.