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Shaoyao Gancao Decoction as an adjunct to conventional Western medicine improves pain relief and sleep quality in patients with postherpetic neuralgia

This meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (1,188 patients) found that adding Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) to conventional Western medicine significantly improved overall response rate (OR=5.42, 95% CI: 3.40-8.64), reduced VAS pain scores (MD=-1.33, 95% CI: -1.68 to -0.99), improved PSQI sleep scores (MD=-2.23, 95% CI: -2.85 to -1.62), and reduced adverse events (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.21-0.56) compared to Western medicine alone.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Shaoyao Gancao decoction for neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of postherpetic neuralgia.

observational

Zhao J, Wang F, Wang F, Ma L · American journal of translational research (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 14 and 28 days (subgroup analysis)
Intervention: Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) added to conventional Western medicine
Outcome: Overall response rate, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, adverse events, Pain Rating Index (PRI), Present Pain Intensity (PPI)
Effect Size: OR=5.42 for response rate; MD=-1.33 for VAS; MD=-2.23 for PSQI; OR=0.34 for adverse events
Population: Patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a subtype of neuropathic pain

Result:

PubMed: 42631154DOI: 10.62347/AEVA1650

Mechanism Graph

SGD contains active compounds (e.g., paeoniflorin, glycyrrhizin) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
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These compounds may modulate neuropathic pain pathways, reducing central sensitization
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Improved pain control leads to better sleep quality and reduced pain-related sleep disturbance
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Result: Enhanced overall treatment response and reduced adverse events

Limitations

  • ⚠High heterogeneity observed in VAS analysis (I2=97%), though subgroup and sensitivity analyses suggested robustness
  • ⚠Only PHN subtype was analyzed; generalizability to other neuropathic pain types is uncertain
  • ⚠Potential publication bias not explicitly addressed in abstract
  • ⚠Duration of treatment varied (14 and 28 days), which may affect outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shaoyao Gancao Decoction?▼

Shaoyao Gancao Decoction is a traditional Chinese herbal formula composed of Paeonia lactiflora (Shaoyao) and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao), used for pain relief.

How does SGD improve sleep in PHN patients?▼

By reducing neuropathic pain intensity (VAS score), SGD likely alleviates pain-related sleep disturbances, leading to improved PSQI scores.

Is SGD safe to use with conventional Western medicine?▼

The meta-analysis found a lower incidence of adverse events in the SGD group (OR=0.34), suggesting good safety as an adjunctive therapy.

Can SGD be used for other types of neuropathic pain?▼

The authors suggest potential value for other NP types (e.g., diabetic peripheral neuropathy), but further research is needed.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Zhao J, Wang F, Wang F, Ma L. "Shaoyao Gancao decoction for neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of postherpetic neuralgia.." American journal of translational research, 2026. PMID: 42631154 DOI: 10.62347/AEVA1650
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.