Effect of Chinese Herbs on Chronic Pain through Liver Meridian Entry

Purpose: Despite their wide use in clinical practice, Chinese herbs remain a controversial treatment for chronic pain. Our objective was to provide an updated meta-analysis to determine the effect size of Chinese herbs on chronic pain conditions. Method: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed. Results: Five databases (PubMed, SDOL, EBSCO, ProQuest, and OVID) were queried for studies published between January 2010 and December 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese herb intervention for people with chronic pain were included. This meta-analysis included six RCTs, comprising 839 participants in total. Chronic pain was significantly improved by Chinese herbs in the administration by bathing, rectal suppositories, or oral groups, especially for herbs whose therapeutic action is via the liver meridian entry. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that Chinese herbs are an effective intervention for people with chronic pain. They may be considered as an adjuvant in clinical chronic pain management for patients needing long-term anti-analgesic drug treatment or with neuropathic pain.