Objective To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of cordyceps sinensis for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Methods We electronically searched databases including CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 7, 2013) and EMbase for randomized controlled trial (RCT) and quasi-RCTs on the effectiveness and safety of cordyceps sinensis for COPD. According to Cochrane methods, two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, assessed methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. Results Fourteen quasi-RCTs involving 1 162 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: a) compared with routine treatment alone, cultured cordyceps sinensis in combination of routine treatment improved total effective rates (stationary stage: RR=1.33, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.54, P=0.000 3; advanced period: RR=1.36, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.62, P=0.000 8). Also cultured cordyceps sinensis in combination of routine treatment improved lung function (FEV1/FVC: MD=5.48, 95%CI 3.22 to 7.74, Plt;0.000 01; FEV1%: MD=3.75, 95%CI 0.91 to 6.59, P=0.010), and prolonged exercise duration (MD=43.51, 95%CI 27.66 to 59.36, Plt;0.000 01) for COPD patients in stationary stage. However, no evidence was found in blood gas analysis, immune function, and quality of life; and b) the results of one study showed that, cultured cordyceps sinensis in combination of routine treatment was comparable with immune regulator (BCG-PSY) in combination of routine treatment with regards to total effective rates, but it could better improve lung function of patients. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that cultured cordyceps sinensis is effective in treating COPD, especially in treating lung function and exercise duration of COPD patients in stationary stage and increasing total effective rates. However, the strength of evidence is affected by poor methodological quality of the included studies. High-quality trials with large sample size are needed to verify its clinical effects.
Objective To assess the clinical efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis in the treatment of chronic kidney diseases. Methods Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs or quasi-RCTs) were identified from MEDLINE (1996 to Oct. 2005), EMbase (1984 to Oct. 2005), The Cochrane Central Register of controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2005) and CBMdisc (1978 to Oct. 2005). We also handsearched related published and unpublished data and their references. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently with a designed extraction form. RevMan4.2.7 software was used for data analysis. Results One RCT and 5 quasi-RCTs involving 434 patients were included. Results of meta-analysis were presented as follows: ① Response rate: five studies showed that, compared with the blank control group, significant differences were observed after the treatment with Cordyceps (RR 2.13, 95%CI 1.06 to 4.26); one study showed that there was no difference between Cordyceps and Shenyankangfu tablet (RR 2.17, 95%CI 0.73 to 6.460). ② Total effective rate: five studies showed that, compared with the blank control group, significant differences were observed after the treatment with Cordyceps (RR1.94, 95 %CI 1.14 to 3.30); one study showed that there was no difference between Cordyceps and Shenyankangfu tablet (RR 1.39, 95%CI 0.89 to 2.16). ③ Adverse reactions: adverse reactions were rare only with mild symptoms. Conclusions Cordyceps sinensis may improve the response rate and total effective rate of chronic kidney diseases. More high quality trials are required.