Herbal Formula Gegen‐Qinlian Decoction for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background. Herbal formula Gegen-Qinlian Decoction (GQD) has been widely used in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but its efficacy and safety are unclear. Method. The studies were identified from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Wanfang database, and VIP database using the keywords “Gegenqinlian” or “Gegen-Qinlian” or “Gegen-Qin-Lian” or “Ge Gen Qin Lian.” Relevant studies were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study selection, data extraction, and validation were carried out by, at least, two reviewers with disagreements being settled by discussion. Results. After literature search, a total of 26 randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 2553 patients. There was evidence that compared with metformin, the combination of GQD and metformin significantly reduced the fasting plasma glucose levels (MD −1.79, 95% CI (−2.31, −1.27), p < 0.00001 ); 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels (MD −1.72, 95% CI (−2.12, −1.31), p < 0.00001 ); and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (MD −1.26, 95% CI (−1.80, −0.72), p < 0.00001 ), and no serious side effects were identified. Conclusion. These data suggest that GQD may be an effective herbal formula in treating T2DM without serious side effects. The addition of GQD also enhances the hypoglycemic effects of metformin. However, the evidence remains weak due to methodological flaws, which may amplify the therapeutic benefit of GQD.

Effect of Gegen Qinlian Decoction on Hepatic Gluconeogenesis in ZDF Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on the Farnesol X Receptor/Ceramide Signaling Pathway Regulating Mitochondrial Metabolism and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

“…Several studies have found that GQD can effectively improve the balance of glucose and lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo and reduce insulin resistance [ 7 ]. Lin et al found that GQD can effectively improve the symptoms of diabetes and has less side effects through meta-analysis [ 29 ], which is consistent with the results of this study.…”

Exploring Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

“…GGQL was first recorded in a famous ancient medicine treatise Shanghan Lun, compiled by Zhong-Jing Zhang in the Han Dynasty of Chinese history (202 BC-220 AD). In previous researches, it has been found that GGQL exerts a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and immunoregulative effects [11][12][13][14]. Our research team has confirmed that GGQL could decrease the fasting blood glucose (FBG) in mice with diabetes and improve the oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance in rats with T2DM [15].…”

Topical Application of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-Tang Recovers Skin-Lipid Barrier and Ameliorates Inflammation via Filaggrin-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin-Interleukin 4 Pathway

“…Although GGRT has not been clinically used to treat atopic dermatitis, herbal medicines, such as P. lobata, S. baicalensis, C. japonica, and G. uralensis, and their active compounds, including puerarin, licoricidin, and magnoflorine, were previously considered as candidates for treating atopic dermatitis [56][57][58][59][60][61][62]. In addition, previous experimental and clinical studies on GGRT revealed that the herbal formula has a pharmacological effect on diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, ulcerative colitis, and acute lung injury [14][15][16][17][63][64][65]. The mechanisms underlying the effect of GGRT on these diseases were estimated and evaluated by several in silico multi-omics and network pharmacological studies [14][15][16][17]64,66,67].…”