TangBi Formula for Painful Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy
Author Information
Author(s): Zhao Xuefei, An Xuedong, Cui Yashan, Dong Liu, Fang Zhaohui, Zheng Zhonghua, Zuo Xinhe, Gao Huailin, Gao Tianshu, Ni Qing, Lian Fengmei, Tong Xiaolin
Primary Institution: Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Is the use of herbal medicines combined with conventional treatment more effective than conventional medication alone in improving clinical symptoms in patients with diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy?
Conclusion
Combining Tangbi Formula with conventional treatment can be safer and more effective in improving the symptoms of diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy.
Supporting Evidence
- After 24 weeks, the MDNS score significantly decreased in the TangBi Formula group compared to the placebo group.
- Significant differences in VAS scores were observed between the two groups after treatment.
- TCSS scores also showed significant improvement in the TangBi Formula group compared to the control group.
Takeaway
This study found that a special herbal medicine called Tangbi Formula can help people with diabetes feel better and have less pain in their feet when used with regular medicine.
Methodology
This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 188 patients assigned to either Tangbi Formula plus methylcobalamin or placebo plus methylcobalamin for 24 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the subjective nature of some outcome measures and the study's reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The active ingredients and mechanisms of TangBi Formula are not fully understood, and the study was conducted only in Chinese patients, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 57.5 years, with 61.8% males; participants had a mean duration of diabetes of 10.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website