The Derivative of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F—Kunxian Capsule, Attenuated Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of Kunxian Capsule (KXC) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of KXC in patients with RA were included in this study. Weighted mean differences (MDs) were calculated for net changes by employing Review Manager meta-analysis software. Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review with a total of 747 patients. The overall effects showed that KXC alone or combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic and drugs decreased tender joint counts (P=0.02, MD = −1.07, 95% CI: −1.95 to −0.18), shortened duration of morning stiffness (P<0.0001, MD = −9.01, 95% CI: −13.08 to −4.93), lowered erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P<0.00001, MD = −5.27, 95% CI: −6.78 to −3.77), and reduced C-reactive protein (P<0.0001, MD = −5.04, 95% CI: −7.28 to −2.80). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal disturbances and abnormal liver function. These results suggest that KXC is likely to be a more effective and safe candidate for treating RA compared with conventional therapies.