Chuanxiong-type preparations for acute ischemic stroke.
BACKGROUND
Stroke, 88% of which are ischemic, is a common cause of death and disability all over the world. Chuanxiong has been reported to be beneficial in treating stroke. However, the strength of evidence to support its use is unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of chuanxiong for acute ischemic stroke.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched January 2008), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (last searched December 2007), the trials register of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field (last searched December 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2007), EMBASE (1980 to December 2007), CNKI (1979 to December 2007), AMED (1985 to December 2007) and CBM-disc (1979 to December 2007). We also handsearched appropriate journals and relevant conference proceedings and searched ongoing trials and research registers.


METHODS
All randomised controlled trials comparing the clinical outcomes of chuanxiong with placebo or no treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke (within 14 days of onset).


METHODS
Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, four review authors interviewed study authors to confirm randomisation, and two review authors assessed trial quality, extracted and analysed data.


RESULTS
Two trials involving 161 participants were included. Both trials were of low quality. Neither of the trials reported the mortality rate or dependency of the participants and no reliable evidence is available in this review.


CONCLUSIONS
In the two poor quality trials published, there is insufficient evidence to suggest any clinical recommendations. Well-designed and performed high-quality trials are needed.
West China Medical Center, Sichuan University, No. 17, Ren Min Nan Lu 3 Duan, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610041.
Yong
Y
Yuan
Xiaoxi
X
Zeng
Yukun
Y
Luo
Zigang
Z
Li
Taixiang
T
Wu
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D028321:Plant Preparations; C534193:chuanxiong rhizome preparation