주관증후군에 대한 황기계지오물탕(黃芪桂枝五物湯)의 효과: 체계적 문헌고찰 및 메타분석

Effect of Hwanggigyejiomul-tang on Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of Hwanggigyejiomul-tang(Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction, HGWWD) in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that applied HGWWD for CuTS through PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, DBpia, RISS, OASIS, KISS, and ScienceOn up to October 1, 2025. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and statistical analyses were performed with Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4.1 using a random-effects model. Results 9 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses demonstrated that HGWWD combined with conventional treatments significantly improved the total effective rate (RR=1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.28, p<0.0001). HGWWD also improved motor nerve con-duction velocity (MD 5.86 m/s, 95% CI 4.10-7.62, p<0.00001), decreased latency (MD –1.21 ms, 95% CI -1.44 to -0.98, p<0.00001), increased amplitude (MD 1.47 mV, 95% CI 1.24-1.69, p<0.00001), elevated nerve growth factor (MD 6.24 ng/mL, 95% CI 3.67-8.80, p<0.00001), and reduced Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores (MD -7.71, 95% CI -11.31 to -4.11, p<0.0001). Adverse events were mild and not clearly associated with herbal administration. Adverse events were mild and not clearly associated with herbal administration. Conclusions HGWWD demonstrated significant improvements in nerve conduction and upper-limb function when used in combination with conventional treatment for CuTS. Further well-designed, large-scale RCTs are required to strengthen the evidence.