Chinese patent medicines may be effective adjuncts to metabolic syndrome, improving glucose and lipid control.

Hedan tablet combined with conventional treatment shows a better lipid-lowering effect with relatively low additional cost.

Shenqi Jiangtang granule or Jiangzhi Jianfei capsule enhances glycemic control and alleviates insulin resistance.

Effective management of glycolipid metabolism is key to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), a type of standardized herbal formulation, are widely used in China. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of CPMs as adjunctive therapies for glycolipid regulation in MetS via network meta-analysis (NMA), providing a reference for clinical decision-making.

By October 2024, we searched eight databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of CPMs in the treatment of MetS. The impact of CPMs on lipid profiles, blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance indicators was evaluated using methods including surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted on the basis of the market price in China and SUCRA rankings.

A total of 25 RCTs involving 17 CPMs were included. The results revealed that combining specific CPMs with conventional treatment had significant beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. Hedan tablet was revealed to be the most effective at regulating the levels of lipids, when both efficacy and cost were considered. Shenqi Jiangtang granule and Jiangzhi Jianfei capsule had the greatest beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.

CPMs have the potential to serve as effective adjunctive therapies for glycolipid regulation in patients with MetS. However, given the limited number and quality of studies included in this NMA, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality RCTs are warranted to validate and update the current evidence.

Chinese patent medicines

Glycolipid metabolism

Metabolic syndrome

Network meta-analysis

Traditional Chinese medicine

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.