Table 1.
Basic demographic data and intervention of studies included in the review.
| Included Study (Reference) |
Trial Design |
Randomization Method | Number of Participants (Male/Female); Age (Mean ± SD) |
Interventions | Morbidity Period (Mean ± SD or Range) |
Outcome Index (Intergroup Differencies p-Value) |
Course of Treatment |
Adverse Events (Case/Symptom) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial | Control | Trial | Control | Trial | Control | ||||||
| Che 2004 [164] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 75 (41/34) 11–44 y Trial: 45 |
Both group 75 (41/34) 11–44 y Control: 30 |
1. Erdonghuoxue decoction (t.i.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | Both group 4 m–10 y |
Both group 4 m–10 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) | 4 w | Trial: 5 AEs Control: 22 AEs Including thirst, hyperhidrosis, pruritus, skin scale, dry lips, cheilitis, dry mouth, dry nose, nausea |
| Chen 2004 [211] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (18/12) 32.4 y (16–65 y) |
26 (16/10) 33.2 y (17–63 y) |
1. Anti-psoriasis formula (q.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | 6.2 y (3 m-28 y) | 6.1 y (2 m-30 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
6 w | Trial: 29 AEs (6 xerostomia, 8 dry lips, 5 xeroderma, 4 pruritus, 6 skin scale) Control: 84 AEs (18 xerostomia, 20 dry lips, 17 xeroderma, 13 pruritus, 16 skin scale) |
| Xu 2005 [186] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 45 (27/18) Range 11–63 y |
30 (18/12) Range 15–57 y |
1. Liangxuejiedu decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | 3 w–22 y | 3 w–22 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 5 AEs Control: 22 AEs Including skin scale, cheilitis, dry nasal cavity, thirst, hyperhidrosis, pruritus, nausea |
| Liu 2006 [137] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 60 (31/29) Trial: 40 (NR) 33.63 y (16–53 y) |
Both group 60 (31/29) Control: 20 (NR) 32.7 y (21–64 y) |
1. Jianpiyishen decoction (q.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | 71.191 m (1–168 m) | 70.95 m (3–120 m) | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 41 AEs (8 xerostomia, 14 xeroderma, 8 skin scale, 11 pruritus) Control: 71 AEs (17 xerostomia, 18 xeroderma, 18 skin scale, 18 pruritus) |
| Chen 2007 [92] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel Three arm trial |
NR | Both group 222 (139/83) 33 y (19–58 y) Trial (IM): 74 |
Both group 222 (139/83) 33 y (19–58 y) Control: 74 |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | Both group 4.6 y (1–18 y) |
Both group 4.6 y (1–18 y) |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
16 w | Trial: 36 AEs (26 xeroderma, 3 pruritus, 1 skin poignant itch, 5 gastrointestinal discomfort, 1 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 29 AEs (21 xeroderma, 1 pruritus, 2 skin poignant itch, 4 gastrointestinal discomfort, 1 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Huang 2007 [129] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel; single blind | Simple randomization (envelope concealment method) | 49 (30/19) 37 ± 9.12 y |
49 (32/17) 38 ± 10.27 y |
1. Yinxieling tablet (6t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, q.d.) | 3.36 ± 5.72 y | 3.8 ± 5.44 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
8 w | Trial: 130 AEs (49 xerostomia, 13 xeroma, 21 xeroderma, 11 pruritus, 2 epistaxis, 14 folliculitis, 1 hepatic dysfunction, 19 hyperlipidemia) Control 238 AEs (49 xerostomia, 40 xeroma, 38 xeroderma, 20 pruritus, 8 epistaxis, 40 folliculitis, 8 hepatic dysfunctions, 35 hyperlipidemia) |
| Zeng 2009 [163] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel; single blind | Simple randomization | 50 (30/20) 38.61 ± 13.12 y |
50 (29/21) 39.41 ± 14.03 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d) 2. Topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate ointment, b.i.d.) | 7.68 ± 5.63 y | 6.58 ± 5.92 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
4 w | Trial: 15 AEs Control: 18 AEs Including xeroderma, skin scale, pruritus, erythema, mild stabbing |
| Cao 2010 [157] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel Three arm trial |
NR | 40 (24/16) 35.3 y (18–64 y) |
40 (25/15) 33.5 y (19–62 y) |
1. Yangzhen decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, q.d.) | 43.5 m (6 m–33 y) | 40.5 m (6 m–30 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) |
12 w | Trial: 43 AEs (22 xeroderma and xerostomia, 9 pruritus, 11 hyperlipidemia, 2 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 77AEs (36 xeroderma and xerostomia, 27 pruritus, 13 hyperlipidemia, 1 hepatic dysfunction) |
| He 2010 [191] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 78 (36/42) 43.4 ± 6.2 y Trial: 39 |
Both group 78 (36/42) 43.4 ± 6.2 y Control: 39 |
1. Xiaoranqudan feng (200 mL, b.i.d) 2. Acitretin capsule (25 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (25 mg, q.d.) | Both group 3.6 ± 1.1 y | Both group 3.6 ± 1.1 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
8 w | Trial: 15 AEs (10 xerostomia, 5 headache) Control: 85 AEs (8 hepatic dysfunction, 30 xeroderma, 26 xerostomia, 7 headache, 14 gastrointestinal discomfort) |
| Hua 2010 [184] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 90 (50/40) 32.4 y (18–65 y) Trial: 46 |
Both group 90 (50/40) 32.4 y (18–65 y) Control: 44 |
1. Qingyinjiedu decoction (30 mg, q.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (q.d.) | Both group 4.2 y | Both group 4.2 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) |
8 w | Trial: 15 AEs (8 skin scale and xerostomia, 5 hyperlipidemia, 2 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 30 AEs (17 skin scale and xerostomia, 10 hyperlipidemia, 3 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Luo 2010 [207] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 47 (25/22) 41.5 ± 9.8 y |
47 (28/19) 39.7 ± 7.8 y |
1. Piminxiao capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 9.3 ± 6.8 y | 7.9 ± 5.7 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: No AEs Control: No AEs |
| Yu 2010 [135] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (NR) 34.18 y (18–60 y) |
40 (NR) 32.30 y (19–58 y) |
1. Runzaozhiyang capsule (2 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 4.2 y (20 d–30 y) | 3.8 y (1 m–29 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
4 w | Trial: 5 AEs (5 nausea) Control: 6 AEs (6 hyperlipidemia) |
| Liu 2011 [165] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 68 (42/26) 35 y (18–65 y) Trial: 38 |
Both group 68 (42/26) 35 y (18–65 y) Control: 30 |
1. Fangfengtongsheng powder (6 g, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | Both group 5.7 y (2 m–12 y) | Both group 5.7 y (2 m–12 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 17 AEs (detailed information NR) Control: 23 AEs (detailed information NR) |
| Lu 2011 [138] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 44 (28/16) 34.6 ± 3.82 y |
44 (26/18) 33.96 ± 4.26 y |
1. Qingrejiedu decoction (400 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Etretinate (0.5 mg, q.d.) |
1. Etretinate (0.5 mg, q.d.) | 5.63 ± 1.32 y | 6.02 ± 1.50 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 1 AE (1 diarrrhea) Control: 2 AEs (2 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Tian 2011 [197] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 30 (12/18) 36.2 ± 9.8 y |
30 (15/15) 34.5 ± 10.2 y |
1. Qingfeiliangxue decoction (100 mL, t.i.d.) 2. Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 (NR) |
1. Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 (NR) | 10.4 ± 7.6 y | 10.4 ± 7.6 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
60 d | NR |
| Xu 2011 [208] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 39 (23/16) 34.5 y |
39 (20/19) 36.5 y |
1. Qingxuanyin (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) | 15 d–29 y | 25 d–31 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
8 w | Trial: 8 AEs (8 diarrhea) Control: 10 AEs (10 xerostomia) |
| Yao 2011 [141] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 70 (24/46) 36.5 y (15–62 y) |
62 (34/28) 35.2 y (14–65 y) |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | 7 d–45 y | 10 d–47 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Detailed information NR |
| Zheng 2011 [91] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 60 (28/32) 42.1 ± 14.6 y |
60 (26/34) 42.3 ± 15.4 y |
1. Xiaoyinkeji decoction (100 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) | 7.3 ± 0.9 y | 7.5 ± 1.2 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 8 AEs (6 gastrointestinal discomfort, 2 diarrhea) Control: 14 AEs (10 gastrointestinal discomfort with nausea or vomiting, 4 leukopenia) |
| Jiang 2012 [202] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel; single blind | Simple randomization (random number table) | 30 (16/14) 33.37 ± 4.32 y |
30 (17/13) 34.69 ± 5.01 y |
1. Sendi particles (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, q.d.) | 4.19 ± 2.77 y | 3.98 ± 1.97 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 3 AEs (2 loose stool, 1 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 1 AE (1 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Liu 2012 [143] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 42 (24/18) 40.00 ± 10.26 y |
42 (23/19) 39.00 ± 10.50 y |
1. Runzaozhiyang capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 3.0 ± 4.5 y | 3.0 ± 4.6 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 30 AEs (18 xeroderma, 5 xerostomia, 7 pruritus) Control: 98 AEs (32 xeroderma, 34 xerostomia, 32 pruritus) |
| Xie 2012 [183] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 94 (49/45) 35.5 ± 3.2 y Trial: 49 |
Both group 94 (49/45) 35.5 ± 3.2 y Control: 45 |
1. Runzaozhiyang capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) 3. Topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate ointment, b.i.d.) |
Both group 8.5 y (1 w–18 y) | Both group 8.5 y (1 w–18 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 5 AEs (3 hyperlipidemia, 2 gastrointestinal discomfort) Control: 4 AEs (4 hyperlipidemia) |
| Zhang 2012 [127] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (24/16) 36.65 ± 9.34 y |
40 (27/13) 35.76 ± 10.26 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (3c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) | 16.43 ± 15.36 m | 15.88 ± 16.48 m | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 19 AEs (detailed information NR) Control: 20 AEs (detailed information NR) Including xerostomia, dry lip, xeroma, pruritus, epistaxis |
| Zhou 2012a [124] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 70 (46/24) 38.3 y (19–65 y) |
70 (44/26) 33.7 y (16–65 y) |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) 3. 10% zing oxide ointment (b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) 2. 10% zing oxide ointment (b.i.d.) |
5.6 y (3 m–12 y) | 7.6 y (2 m–11 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
60 d | NR |
| Zhou 2012b [182] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 120 (49/71) 36.85 ± 6.32 y Trial: 49 |
Both group 120 (49/71) 36.85 ± 6.32 y Control: 45 |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, q.d.) | Both group 6.70 ± 0.52 y | Both group 6.70 ± 0.52 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) 3. Recurrence rate (p > 0.05) |
12 w | Detailed information NR |
| Chen 2013 [153] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (24/7) 31.2 ± 5.3 y |
30 (24/7) 30.8 ± 6.1 y |
1. Xiaoyin decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 5.1 ± 2.0 y | 5.5 ± 2.3 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 2 AEs (1 xeroderma, 1 gastrointestinal discomfort) Control: 6 AEs (2 xeroderma, 1 xeroma, 1 xerostomia, 1 hyperlipidemia, 1 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Ding 2013 [146] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (16/14) 52.32 ± 3.41 y |
30 (12/18) 54.32 ± 2.15 y |
1. NiupixuanⅡ decoction (NR) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.3–1.0 mg/kg/day, NR) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.3–1.0 mg/kg/day, NR) | 10.3 ± 2.2 y | 11.1 ± 2.5 y | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Mo 2013 [136] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 56 (33/23) 36.2 y (18–58 y) |
54 (33/21) 35.9 y (20–60 y) |
1. Total Glycosides of Paeoniae Alba capsule (2c, b.i.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | 5.4 y (0.5 m–32 y) | 5.6 y (1 m–40 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: No AEs Control No AEs |
| Song 2013 [90] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 43 (25/18) 34.5 ± 6.2 y |
43 (26/17) 33.9 ± 6.0 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 8.1 ± 2.3 y | 7.8 ± 2.4 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: No AEs Control No AEs |
| Zhang 2013 [210] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 38 (20/18) 37.9 ± 5.9 y |
38 (23/15) 33.9 ± 6.3 y |
1. Xiaoyin capsule (5c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 8.1 ± 2.7 y | 7.8 ± 2.4 y | 1. TNF-alpha (p < 0.01) 2. IL-8 (p < 0.01) |
12 w | Trial: No AEs Control No AEs |
| Cheng 2014 [126] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (17/13) 18–60 y |
30 (16/14) 15–58 y |
1. Yanghe decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 1 w–5 y | 2 w–6 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Detailed information NR |
| Du 2014 [125] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 70 (45/25) 39.6 ± 0.4 y |
70 (45/25) 38.9 ± 0.5 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 6.3 ± 0.4 y | 6.2 ± 0.4 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Li 2014 [179] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 24 (14/10) 43.6 ± 10.78 y |
24 (11/13) 45.3 ± 11.32 y |
1. Huanglianjiedu decoction (200 mL, t.i.d.) 2. Methotrexate (2.5–5.0 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Methotrexate (2.5–5.0 mg, b.i.d.) | 7.96 ± 4.41 y | 7.49 ± 4.03 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 2 AEs Control: 5 AEs Including nausea, anorexia, hepatic dysfunction |
| Liang 2014 [172] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 39 (20/19) 38.43 ± 4.12 y |
39 (19/20) 38.48 ± 4.15 y |
1. Qinzhuliangxue feng (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 5.33 ± 1.05 y | 5.38 ± 1.03 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
60 d | Trial: No AEs Control: 6 AEs (1 hepatic and renal dysfunction, 2 pruritus, 3 tinnitus) |
| Liu 2014 [115] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 47 (29/18) 28.9 ± 10.4 y |
49 (26/21) 31.2 ± 12.6 y |
1. Runzaozhiyang capsule (2 g, t.i.d) 2. Topical corticosteroid (compound flumetasone ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (compound flumetasone ointment, b.i.d.) | 2.3 ± 0.84 y | 2.7 ± 0.91 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 3 AEs (2 mild abdominal discomfort, 1 mild burning sensation) Control: 1 AE (1 mild stabbing) |
| Qiu 2014 [99] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 49 (29/20) 43.7 ± 6.9 y |
33 (22/11) 46.7 ± 7.1 y |
1. EAHM prescription (q.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20–50 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20–50 mg, q.d.) | 9.5 ± 3.1 y | 9.1 ± 3.9 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: No AEs Control: 26 AEs (1 hypokalemia, 6 hyperlipidemia, 19 xeroderma and xerostomia) |
| Zhang 2014a [144] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 38 (26/12) 38.62 ± 6.11 y |
38 (24/14) 36.74 ± 5.23 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (3c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) | 2–78 m | 1–81 m | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial 15 AEs Control 16 AEs Including pruritus, xeroma, epistaxis, xerostomia, dry lib |
| Zhang 2014b [209] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (26/14) 35.40 ± 2.83 y |
30 (19/11) 34.69 ± 3.46 y |
1. Ziyinyangxuequfeng decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.75 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.75 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) | 6.35 ± 0.74 y | 6.27 ± 0.68 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: No AEs Control: No AEs |
| Zhang 2014c [196] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 36 (21/15) 33.5 y |
36 (19/17) 35.3 y |
1. Qingfeiliangxue decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) | 1–28 y | 1–26 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
2 w | NR |
| Cai 2015 [189] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 130 (72/58) 38.5 ± 12.3 y |
130 (67/63) 41.8 ± 11.9 y |
1. Xiaoyin feng (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 4.83 ± 1.39 y | 4.95 ± 1.12 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 14 AEs (4 hematuria, 10 drug eruption) Control: 16 AEs (5 hematuria, 11 drug eruption) |
| Jin 2015a [132] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 50 (28/22) 44.38 ± 2.9 y |
50 (30/20) 43.3 ± 2.5 y |
1. Matrine capsule (2t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (b.i.d.) | 22–68 y | 20–65 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 4 AEs (2 pruritus, 1 hyperlipidemia, 1 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 4 AEs (2 pruritus, 2 hyperlipidemia) |
| Jin 2015b [194] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 43 (24/19) 41.33 ± 14.19 y |
41 (26/15) 37.17 ± 11.30 y |
1. Qinzhuliangxue feng (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 5.83 ± 1.60 y | 7.16 ± 0.75 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
8 w | Trial: 21 AEs (18 xeroderma, 1 pruritus, 2 hepatic dysfunction) Control 42 AEs (27 xeroderma, 11 pruritus, 4 hepatic dysfuction) |
| Lu 2015a [102] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 62 (36/26) 29.5 ± 3.5 y Trial: 31 |
Both group 62 (36/26) 29.5 ± 3.5 y Control: 31 |
1. Qingying decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | Both group 4.5 ± 1.2 y |
Both group 4.5 ± 1.2 y |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
2 w | NR |
| Lu 2015b [118] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 54 (37/17) 21.2 ± 3.9 y |
54 (33/21) 23.8 ± 2.1 y |
1. Yangxierunfuyin (q.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, b.i.d.) | Both group 3 m–12 y |
Both group 3 m–12 y |
1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
16 w | Trial: 2 AEs (2 burning sensation) Control: 1 AEs (1 burning sensation) |
| Ma 2015 [188] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 55 (28/27) 43.7 ± 7.6 y |
55 (29/26) 43.2 ± 7.4 y |
1. Liangxuerunfu decoction (q.d.) 2. Topical boric acid (q.d.) |
1. Topical boric acid (q.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Peng 2015 [168] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (27/13) 36.5 y (18–65 y) |
40 (25/15) 34.3 y (19–65 y) |
1. Yinxiping pill (q.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 3 m–26 y | 1 m–30 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate |
12 w | Detailed information NR |
| Sun 2015 [156] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (21/19) 31.4 ± 2.8 y |
40 (20/20) 30.9 ± 2.7 y |
1. Qingrexiaoyin decoction (250 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 4.6 ± 2.7 y | 4.8 ± 2.4 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 3. IL-8 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Wang 2015a [185] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 57 (30/27) 7.1 ± 2.5 y |
57 (27/30) 7.2 ± 2.4 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin (25 mg, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.5 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) | 4.3 ± 1.4 m | 4.4 ± 1.5 m | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 3 AEs (1 hyperlipidemia, 2 hair loss) Control: 10 AEs (3 hyperlipidemia, 5 hair loss, 2 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Wang 2015b [140] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | Both group 59 (38/21) 37.29 ± 10.24 y Trial: 30 |
Both group 59 (38/21) 37.29 ± 10.24 y Control: 29 |
1. Researcher prescription (q.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) | Both group 7.21 ± 2.13 y |
Both group 7.21 ± 2.13 y |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: No AEs Control: No AEs |
| Wang 2015c [150] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (18/12) 22.92 ± 3.08 y |
30 (16/14) 23.08 ± 2.92 y |
1. Danggui-yinzi granule (t.i.d.) 2. Topical urea ointment (t.i.d.) |
1. Topical urea ointment (t.i.d.) | 2.02 ± 0.79 y | 1.98 ± 0.66 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Yuan 2015 [169] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 80 (35/45) 32.5 ± 4.1 y Trial: 40 |
Both group 80 (35/45) 32.5 ± 4.1 y Control: 40 |
1. Qingrexiaoyin decoction (250 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | Both group 2.4 ± 0.7 y |
Both group 2.4 ± 0.7 y |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Zhang 2015a [199] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 90 (58/32) 44.6 ± 3.8 y |
90 (64/26) 43.8 ± 3.4 y |
1. Liangxuerunfu decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 7.8 ± 0.5 y | 8.7 ± 0.5 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 12 AEs (6 pruritus, 3 xerostomia, 2 nausea, 1 headache) Control 13 AEs (5 pruritus, 4 xerostomia, 3 nausea, 1 headache) |
| Zhang 2015b [214] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 65 (36/29) 35.5 ± 9.7 y |
65 (38/27) 26.76 ± 7.34 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Topical Pyrithione Zinc aerosol (t.i.d.) |
1. Topical Pyrithione Zinc aerosol (t.i.d.) | 60.7 ± 21.3 m | 64.6 ± 22.5 m | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. VAS (p < 0.05) 3. DLQI (p < 0.05) 4. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 5. IL-8 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Zhang 2015c [206] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 63 (38/25) 31.29 ± 0.04 y |
65 (38/27) 29.22 y (19–43 y) |
1. Zinyinqingrexiaofengsan (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) | 3 m–10 y | 1–12 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 8 AEs (5 burning sensation, 2 erythema, 1 pruritus) Control: NR |
| Chen 2016 [96] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 35 (18/17) 37.5 ± 6.1 y |
35 (19/16) 36.8 ± 6.0 y |
1. Researcher prescription (b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 9.2 ± 5.7 y | 9.1 ± 5.4 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 0 AEs Control 0 AEs |
| He 2016a [110] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 90 (42/48) 40.1 ± 5.3 y Trial: 45 |
Both group 90 (42/48) 40.1 ± 5.3 y Control: 45 |
1. Liangxuerunfu decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | Both group 11.8 ± 3.3 y |
Both group 11.8 ± 3.3 y |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 4 AEs (4 gastrointestinal discomfort) Control: 12 AEs (3 gastrointestinal discomfort, 3 hyperlipdemia, 6 xerostomia) |
| He 2016b [93] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 34 (18/16) 39.21 ± 18.09 y |
33 (17/16) 38.21 ± 17.68 y |
1. Compound Qingdai pill (25 mg, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) | 4.85 ± 3.46 y | 5.02 ± 3.96 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 5 AEs (2 xerostomia, 2 hyperlipidemia, 1 gastrointestinal discomfort) Control: 4 AEs (3 xerostomia, 1 hyperlipidemia) |
| Jiang 2016 [131] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (21/19) 34.62 ± 6.56 y |
40 (23/17) 36.12 ± 5.44 y |
1. Yinxiping pill (15 g, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 60.08 ± 41.03 m | 59.45 ± 43.14 m | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 5 AEs (2 burning sensation with skin rash, 1 gastrointestinal discomfort, 2 loose stool) Control: 3 AEs (burning sensation with skin rash) |
| Shan 2016 [154] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | Both group 80 (45/35) 54.4 ± 10.4 y Trial: 40 |
Both group 80 (45/35) 54.4 ± 10.4 y Control: 40 |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin (50 mg, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (50 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (50 mg, t.i.d.) | Both group 5.9 ± 3.2 y |
Both group 5.9 ± 3.2 y |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: No AEs Control: 3 AEs (1 xerostomia, 1 xeroma, 1 xeroderma) |
| Wang 2016a [107] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 25 (16/9) 35.8 ± 7.6 y |
25 (15/10) 37.1 ± 8.7 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
16 w | NR |
| Wang 2016b [100] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 60 (35/25) 42.3 ± 6.9 y |
60 (28/32) 39.5 ± 6.2 y |
1. Piminxiao capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (25 mg, q.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Wu 2016 [103] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 70 (43/27) 38.5 ± 2.6 y |
70 (40/30) 39.1 ± 2.9 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (25 mg, q.d.) | 5.5 ± 1.4 y | 5.9 ± 1.7 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 4 AEs Control: 13 AEs Including xerostomia, xeroderma, conjunctivitis, cheilitis |
| Xie 2016 [142] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 52 (22/30) 39.1 ± 2.9 y |
52 (24/28) 40.7 ± 9.5 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) | 5.32 ± 1.45 y | 5.27 ± 1.42 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) 4. IL-17 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 6 AEs (2 abdominal pain, 1 anorexia, 1 xerostomia, 1 dizziness, 1 conjunctivitis) Control: 5 AEs (1 pruritus, 1 tinnitus, 1 abdominal pain, 1 xeroma, 1 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Xu 2016 [195] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 114 (62/52) 40.5 ± 20.1 y Trial: 57 |
Both group 114 (62/52) 40.5 ± 20.1 y Control: 57 |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin (50 mg, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, b.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
6 w | Trial: 14 AEs Control: 30 AEs Including xeroderma, xeroma, xerostomia |
| Yang 2016a [178] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (25/16) 39.33 ± 8.78 y |
40 (30/10) 39.50 ± 9.37 y |
1. Qinmei granule (b.i.d.) 2. Topical urea ointment (t.i.d.) |
1. Topical urea ointment (t.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) 2. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 1 AE (1 Abnormal findings on urine test) Control: 1 AE (1 Abnormal findings on urine test) |
| Yang 2016b [104] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number generation) | 23 (15/8) 30.5 y (25–54 y) |
19 (12/7) 34.5 y (29–51 y) |
1. Qingreliangxue decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 7.62 m (3–26 m) | 6.29 m (2–28 m) | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Yu 2016 [201] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 40 (22/18) 40.3 y (18–74 y) Trial: 20 |
Both group 40 (22/18) 40.3 y (18–74 y) Control: 20 |
1. Qingreliangxue decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) 3. Topical corticosteroid (Halometasone cream, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Halometasone cream, b.i.d.) |
Both group 2.5 y (1 m–15 y) |
Both group 2.5 y (1 m–15 y) |
1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Cao 2017 [161] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel; single blind | Simple randomization (envelope concealment method) | 30 (17/13) 36.02 ± 4.41 y |
30 (18/12) 35.54 ± 4.36 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin tablet (2t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, t.i.d.) | 4.66 ± 1.21 y | 4.25 ± 1.02 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 6 AEs (2 xeroderma, 3 xeroma, 1 hyperlipidemia) Control: 14 AEs (4 xeroderma, 5 xeroma, 3 hepatic dysfunction, 2 hyperlipidemia) |
| Cheng 2017 [94] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 27 (15/112) 38.4 ± 5.8 y |
26 (15/11) 38.2 ± 5.3 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin tablet (2–3t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (0.4 mg/kg/day, t.i.d.) | 5.6 ± 2.4 y | 5.7 ± 2.5 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 4AEs (4 xeroma, xerostomia, xeroderma) Control: 8 AEs (6 xeroma, xerostomia, xeroderma, 1 hair loss, 1 hyperlipidemia) |
| Ding 2017 [187] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 40 (19/11) 36.15 ± 2.11 y |
40 (22/18) 36.20 ± 2.07 y |
1. Ziyinhuoxuerunzao decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20–50 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20–50 mg, q.d.) | 11.36 ± 1.00 y | 11.41 ± 0.97 | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 1 AEs (1 focal pruritus with rash) Control: 2 AEs (2 focal pruritus with rash) |
| Du 2017 [114] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 32 (18/14) 32.2 ± 5.4 y |
32 (21/11) 37.3 ± 5.2 y |
1. Total Glycosides of Paeoniae Alba capsule (0.6 g, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, q.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, q.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 4 AEs (2 skin rash, 1 burning sensation, 1 folliculitis Control: No AE |
| Feng 2017 [130] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 35 (21/14) 38.3 ± 4.1 y |
35 (19/16) 35.7 ± 6.4 y |
1. Yinxiping pill (15 g, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Compound Flumetasone Ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Compound Flumetasone Ointment, b.i.d.) | 5.9 ± 3.7 y | 6.2 ± 3.3 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 2 AEs (1 mild diarrhea, 1 mild skin rash) Control: 1 AEs (1 mild skin rash with pruritus) |
| Han 2017a [123] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 44 (25/19) 36.04 ± 7.15 y |
44 (26/18) 35.69 ± 6.49 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 5.39 ± 2.48 | 5.21 ± 2.36 | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) 3. IL-17 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 3 AEs (detailed information NR) Control 12 AEs (detailed information NR) |
| Han 2017b [162] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 48 (26/22) 45.72 ± 5.78 y |
44 (27/21) 43.56 ± 4.43 y |
1. Compound Qingdai capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) | 3.5 y (2 m–40 y) | 4.2 y (3 m–36 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Detailed information NR |
| Li 2017 [203] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (18/12) 36.4 ± 10.0 y |
30 (15/15) 34.2 ± 12.7 y |
1. Qingrejiedu decoction (6 g, b.i.d.) 2. Topical retinoid cream (b.i.d.) |
1. Topical retinoid cream (b.i.d.) | 5.73 ± 3.78 y | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 3 AEs (3 diarrhea) Control: No AE |
| Liu 2017 [116] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 48 (27/21) 33.5 ± 6.5 y |
52 (29/23) 33.8 ± 6.2 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) | 5.6 ± 7.2 y | 5.2 ± 6.9 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 65 AEs (13 xeroma, 16 xeroderma, 2 epistaxis, 14 folliculitis, 1 hepatic dysfunction, 19 hyperlipidemia) Control: 178 AEs (42 xeroma, 40 xeroderma, 9 epistaxis, 42 folliculitis, 8 hepatic dysfunction, 37 hyperlipidemia) |
| Luo 2017 [160] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 39 (26/13) 31.4 ± 2.3 y |
36 (25/11) 32.7 ± 2.8 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin (2–3t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, t.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 5 AEs (2 pruritus, 1 xeroderma, 1 xerostomia, 1 xeroma) Control: 8 AEs (3 pruritus, 2 xeroderma, 2 xerostomia, 1 xeroma) |
| Pang 2017 [170] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 45 (22/23) 36.48 ± 14.21 y |
45 (24/21) 37.02 ± 44.47 y |
1. Compound Qingdai capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, t.i.d.) |
1. Immunosuppressant (compound amino peptide tablets 5t, t.i.d.) | 47.68 ± 18.22 m | 49.13 ± 18.80 m | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) 3. DLQI (p < 0.05) 4. IL-8 (p < 0.05) 5. IFN gamma (p < 0.01) |
8 w | NR |
| Shi 2017 [89] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 23 (12/11) 45.74 ± 8.43 y |
23 (13/10) 45.72 ± 8.45 y |
1. Liangxuexiaofeng decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 7.29 ± 1.25 y | 7.28 ± 1.28 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) 3. IL-8 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 3 AEs (1 xerostomia, 1 xeroma, 1 xeroderma) Control: 2 AEs (1 xerostomia, 1 nausea) |
| Song 2017 [108] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 70 (32/28) 41.02 ± 5.39 y |
70 (39/31) 40.76 ± 5.32 y |
1. Yangxuetongluo decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 6.41 ± 1.00 y | 6.49 ± 1.03 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) 2. VAS (p < 0.05) 3. DLQI (p < 0.05) 4. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 9 AEs (2 conjunctivitis, 4 xerostomia, 3 headache) Control: 8 AEs (3 conjunctivitis, 2 xerostomia, 2 headache, 1 muscular pain) |
| Wang 2017 [159] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 60 (32/28) 32.46 ± 6.25 y |
60 (32/28) 33.08 ± 6.32 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, t.i.d.) | 5.61 ± 7.32 y | 5.29 ± 6.96 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. IL-8 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 54 AEs (15 xeroma, 18 xeroderma, 3 epistaxis, 16 folliculitis, 2 hepatic dysfunction, 15 hyperlipidemia) Control: 180 AEs (48 xeroma, 43 xeroderma, 11 epistaxis, 32 folliculitis, 9 hepatic dysfunction, 37 hyperlipidemia) |
| Wu 2017 [173] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (26/14) 40.85 ± 15.48 y |
40 (25/15) 41.64 ± 15.86 y |
1. Shentongzhuyu decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Methotrexate (10 mg, q.w.) 3. Sulfasalazine tablets (1.0 g, t.i.d.) 4. Diclofenac sodium extended-release tablet (0.1 g, q.d.) 5. Folic acid tablet (10 mg, q.d.) |
1. Methotrexate (10 mg, q.w.) 2. Sulfasalazine tablets (1.0 g, t.i.d.) 3. Diclofenac sodium extended-release tablet (0.1 g, q.d.) 4. Folic acid tablet (10 mg, q.d.) |
NR | NR | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 9 AEs (2 leukopenia, 3 hepatic dysfunction, 1 hyperbilirubinemia, 3 nausea and vomiting) Control 10 AEs (3 leukopenia, 2 hepatic dysfunction, 1 hyperbilirubinemia, 4 nausea and vomiting) |
| Yang 2017 [213] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization | 40 (25/15) 30.6 ± 8.21 y |
40 (24/16) 32.5 ± 7.10 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) | 4.51 ± 3.13 y | 4.60 ± 3.02 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 4. IL-17 (p < 0.05) 5. IL-23 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 9AEs (3 pruritus, 5 xerostomia, 1 xeroma) Control: 17 AEs (7 pruritus, 8 xerostomia, 1 dizzines, 1 xeroma) |
| Zeng 2017 [190] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 31 (21/11) 35.14 ± 0.15 y |
31 (21/10) 35.29 ± 0.18 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin capsule (2-3c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 32.14 ± 1.25 m | 33.45 ± 1.34 m | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 13 AEs (2 xerostomia, 3 xeroma, 2 pruritus, 4 nausea, 2 dizziness) Control: 8 AEs (1 xerostomia, 2 xeroma, 1 pruritus, 3 nausea, 1 dizziness) |
| Zhang 2017a [113] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 52 (27/25) 28.5 ± 5.2 y |
52 (26/26) 30.1 ± 4.1 y |
1. Taohongershao decoction (150 mL, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 7.3 ± 4.5 y | 8.5 ± 4.9 y | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) 2. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Zhang 2017b [112] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 45 (21/24) 27.5 ± 7.4 y |
45 (22/23) 28.0 ± 9.5 y |
1. Taohongershao decoction (150 mL, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 10.5 ± 8.3 y | 10.9 ± 8.0 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. DLQI (p < 0.05) 3. IFN gamma (p < 0.05) 4. IL-17 (p < 0.05) 5. IL-23 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Zhang 2017c [105] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 50 (23/27) 32.5 ± 5.9 y |
50 (25/25) 30.9 ± 6.1 y |
1. Taohongershao decoction (150 mL, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 12.6 ± 7.5 y | 11.5 ± 6.9 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.01) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Zhang 2017d [121] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 17 (10/7) 46.47 ± 14.06 |
17 (9/8) 46.41 ± 18.45 |
1. Liangxuexiao feng (6 g, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 16.29 ± 10.49 y | 16.08 ± 12.80 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Zhang 2017e [200] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 55 (24/31) 30.1 ± 4.4 y |
55 (22/33) 29.8 ± 7.3 y |
1. Taohongershao decoction (150 mL, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 7.5 ± 6.3 y | 8.1 ± 6.4 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. IFN gamma (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Zhao 2017 [128] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (23/17) 36.35 ± 2.09 y |
40 (22/18) 36.25 ± 2.13 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (3c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.). |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.). | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 18 AEs (6 pruritus, 7 epistaxis, 5 xerostomia) Control: 19 AEs (7 pruritus, 7 epistaxis, 6 xerostomia) |
| Chai 2018 [158] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 46 (26/20) 45.3 ± 3.8 y |
46 (25/21) 45.5 ± 3.6 y |
1. Xiaoyin decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 2.3 ± 0.5 y | 2.1 ± 0.4 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. IFN gamma (p < 0.05) 3. IL-8 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 2 AEs (1 skin rash, 1 mild gastrointestinal discomfort) Control: 3 AEs (2 skin rash, 1 pruritus) |
| Li 2018 [109] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 44 (23/21) 35.01 ± 7.09 y |
44 (24/20) 35.31 ± 7.29 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, b.i.d.). | 7.69 ± 3.69 y | 7.71 ± 3.46 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) |
8 w | Trial: 1 AEs (1 nausea) Control: 3 AEs (1 headache, 2 nausea) |
| Liu 2018 [147] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel Three arm trial |
NR | 25 (11/14) 37.21 ± 9.87 y |
25 (13/12) 39.42 ± 9.23 y |
1. Banzhilian decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.). |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 6.8 ± 5.1 y | 6.2 ± 3.9 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Luo 2018 [212] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 50 (31/19) 32.46 ± 10.24 y |
50 (29/21) 33.57 ± 10.82 y |
1. Zicaohuoxue decoction (200 mL, bi.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 2.46 ± 1.24 y | 2.52 ± 1.28 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 3. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 8 AEs (1 pruritus, 2 xeroma, 2 headache, 3 nausea) Control: 10 AEs (1 pruritus, 3 xeroma, 3 headache, 3 nausea) |
| Ma 2018a [192] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 37 (21/16) 38.1 ± 4.2 y |
42 (23/19) 37.4 ± 4.1 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) 3. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
3.66 ± 1.01 y | 3.7 ± 1.3 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Ma 2018b [166] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 34 (19/15) 40.2 ± 6.9 y |
34 (21/13) 41.6 ± 7.5 y |
1. Qingrequshi decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Methotrexate (15 mg, q.w.) |
1. Methotrexate (15 mg, q.w.) | 8.7 ± 2.6 y | 8.2 ± 2.4 y | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Xiao 2018 [176] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 21 (11/10) 27.5 ± 2.2 y |
21 (15/6) 27.3 ± 1.2 y |
1. Xiaoyin decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 2. IL-17 (p < 0.05) 3. IL-22 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Xie 2018 [106] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 60 (34/26) 36.5 y (19–65 y) |
60 (29/31) 34.3 y (19–64 y) |
1. Qingying decoction (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 6.4 y (3 m–26 y) | 6.1 y (1 m–30 y) | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Detailed information NR |
| Zhang 2018a [111] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 48 (25/23) 35.43 ± 0.16 |
48 (28/20) 35.28 ± 0.23 |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin (2–3t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 33.12 ± 1.64 m | 32.65 ± 1.14 m | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Zhang 2018b [174] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization | 36 (20/16) 29.15 ± 6.24 y |
36 (19/17) 29.36 ± 6.02 |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 5.2 ± 1.3 y | 5.4 ± 1.2 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Zhou 2018 [139] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 39 (17/22) 38.82 ± 1.29 y |
39 (19/20) 38.71 ± 1.22 y |
1. Keyin pills (10 mg, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 7.59 ± 0.78 y | 7.46 ± 0.65 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. IFN gamma (p < 0.05) 4. IL-17 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 8 AEs (1 conjunctivitis, 1 skin rash, 2 arthralgia, 1 headache, 3 nausea and vomiting) Control: 11 AEs (1 conjunctivitis, 2 skin rash, 3 arthralgia, 1 headache, 4 nausea and vomiting) |
| Chen 2019 [198] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 62 (26/36) 37.62 ± 6.34 y |
62 (28/34) 35.74 ± 5.54 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin tablet (2–3t, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) 3. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) |
6.92 ± 3.05 y | 6.25 ± 2.47 y | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Ge 2019 [145] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (21/19) 27 ± 2.4 y |
40 (22/18) 26 ± 2.3 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin (50 mg, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, t.i.d.) | 3 m–31 y | 3 m–31.5 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 5 AEs (including xerostomia, xeroma, xeroderma) Control: 8 AEs (including xerostomia, xeroma, xeroderma, 2 hair loss, 1 hyperlipidemia) |
| Han 2019 [97] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | Both group 80 (59/21) 37.37 ± 9.48 y |
Both group 80 (59/21) 37.37 ± 9.48 y |
1. Qinzhuliangxue feng (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | Both group 5.29 ± 1.44 y |
Both group 5.29 ± 1.44 y |
1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Hu 2019 [119] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization | 62 (34/28) 36.8 ± 8.1 y |
59 (33/26) 37.8 ± 9.4 y |
1. Liangxuexiaobi decoction (150 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, q.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, q.d.) | 45.4 ± 12.5 m | 46.1 ± 11.1 m | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 2 AEs (2 loose stool) Control: 1AE (1 skin rash) |
| Lu 2019 [152] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel; single blind | Simple randomization (envelope concealment method) | 30 (15/15) 21–66 y |
30 (16/14) 22–65 y |
1. Yangxuequfeng granule (b.i.d.) 2. Topical urea ointment (t.i.d.) |
1. Topical urea ointment (t.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) 2. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Xun 2019 [134] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 52 (24/28) 40–50 y |
52 (22/30) 40–51 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (15 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–50 mg, t.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (25–50 mg, t.i.d.) | NR | NR | 1. Recurrence rate (p-value NR) | 4 w | NR |
| Yang 2019 [149] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 41 (24/17) 38.24 ± 4.19 y |
41 (25/16) 38.57 ± 4.03 y |
1. Compound Qingdai capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, q.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, q.d.) | 14.39 ± 2.78 y | 14.79 ± 1.93 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 3. IL-17 (p < 0.05) 4. IL-23 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 4 AEs (1 xeroderma, 1 pruritus, 1 hyperlipidemia, 1 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 6 AEs (1 skin scale with edema, 1 xeroderma, 2 pruritus, 1 hyperlipidemia, 1 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Yao 2019 [180] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 52 (29/23) 45.37 ± 6.12 y |
52 (27/25) 45.13 ± 6.08 y |
1. Liangxuerunzao decoction (250 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 9.77 ± 1.30 y | 9.86 ± 1.35 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.01) 3.IL-17 (p < 0.01) 4.IL-22 (p < 0.01) 5.IL-23 (p < 0.01) |
8 w | NR |
| Zhong 2019 [122] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 46 (22/24) 36.72 ± 6.21 y |
46 (23/23) 37.23 ± 5.78 y |
1. Piminxiao capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 5.10 ± 1.76 y | 5.25 ± 1.28 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 3. IL-17 (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Chen 2020 [155] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 47 (25/22) 36.9 ± 5.3 y |
47 (24/23) 38.2 ± 5.1 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin capsule (3c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) | NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 7 AEs (1 nausea, 3 hyperesthesia, 2 xeroderma, 1 xerostomia) Control: 5 AEs (2 nausea, 1 hyperesthesia 1 xeroderma, 1 xerostomia) |
| Hao 2020 [120] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 30 (22/8) 42 ± 13 y |
30 (21/9) 41 ± 12 y |
1. Liangxuexiaobi pill (6c, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 3.71 ± 3.26 y | 4.28 ± 2.96 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
4 w | Trial: 1 AE (1 skin rash) Control: 4 AEs (2 erythema, 1 skin rash with burning sensation, 1 pruritus) |
| Ji 2020 [204] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 25 (15/10) 37.8 y (25.3–49.2 y) |
25 (17/8) 37.5 y (27.1–48.2 y) |
1. Compound Qingdai capsule (6 g, t.i.d.) 2. Methotrexate (detailed dosage NR) |
1. Methotrexate (detailed dosage NR) | NR | NR | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) 2. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Liu 2020a [181] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 30 (18/12) 41.3 ± 5.1 y |
30 (17/13) 42.3 ± 6.2 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin tablet (2t, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 5.23 ± 1.13 y | 5.31 ± 1.23 y | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) 2. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 5 AEs (2 xerostomia, 2 xeroma, 1 xeroderma) Control: 11 AEs (3 xerostomia, 3 xeroma, 2 xeroderma, 2 hair loss, 1 hyperlipidemia) |
| Liu 2020b [167] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 92 (46/46) 54.18 ± 4.19 y |
92 (45/47) 54.81 ± 4.33 y |
1. Xiaoyin decoction (6c, t.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 8.43 ± 2.28 y | 8.79 ± 2.30 y | 1. IL-8 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Lu 2020 [95] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 56 (31/25) 44.58 ± 7.12 y |
56 (29/27) 45.01 ± 6.93 y |
1. Total Glycosides of Paeoniae Alba capsule (0.6 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) | 7.63 ± 1.83 y | 7.79 ± 1.72 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Detailed information NR |
| Qu 2020 [177] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (computer assisted random assignment) | 46 (25/21) 40.44 ± 6.74 y |
46 (26/20) 40.13 ± 6.48 y |
1. Yinxie capsule (4c, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (25–30 mg, q.d.) | 7.75 ± 3.75 y | 7.45 ± 3.46 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Ren 2020 [151] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 51 (27/24) 38.19 ± 2.14 y |
51 (26/25) 38.62 ± 2.37 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (10 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 2.25 ± 0.95 y | 2.34 ± 0.83 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 6 AEs (2 xerostomia, 1 pruritus, 2 gastrointestinal discomfort, 1 hepatic dysfunction) Control: 18 AEs (5 xerostomia, 6 pruritus, 4 gastrointestinal discomfort, 3 hepatic dysfunction) |
| Shen 2020 [133] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 31 (15/16) 36 ± 14 y |
32 (16/16) 35 ± 11 y |
1. Liangxuejiedu decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, q.d.) 3. Topical corticosteroid (Mometasone furoate cream, q.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, q.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Mometasone furoate cream, q.d.) |
6.67 ± 6.30 y | 6.42 ± 6.13 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Wu 2020 [193] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 50 (28/22) 35.4 ± 7.9 y |
50 (27/23) 34.4 ± 7.6 y |
1. Compound glycyrrhizin tablet (10 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, t.i.d.) | 4.6 ± 3.1 y | 4.5 ± 2.9 y | 1. PASI 70 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 25 AEs (21 xerostomia, xeroma, xeroderma, 2 hepatic dysfunction, 2 hyperlipidemia) Control: 47 AEs (35 xerostomia, xeroma, xeroderma, 8 hepatic dysfunction, 4 hyperlipidemia) |
| Yang 2020 [101] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 78 (44/34) 39.24 ± 6.51 y |
78 (45/33) 39.17 ± 6.48 y |
1. Xiaoyin granule (3.5 g, t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 7.71 ± 2.51 y | 7.69 ± 2.53 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Zheng 2020 [205] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 32 (16/16) 29.8 ± 6.2 y |
32 (14/18) 30.5 ± 5.8 y |
1. Jueyin granule (b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) 3. Topical corticosteroid (Compound flumetasone cream, b.i.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Compound flumetasone cream, b.i.d.) |
NR | NR | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
8 w | NR |
| Jin 2021 [148] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 50 (24/26) 42.06 ± 4.37 y |
32 (14/18) 41.32 ± 4.93 y |
1. Xiaoyin decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol ointment, b.i.d.) | 3.47 ± 1.40 y | 3.32 ± 1.03 y | 1. TNF alpha (p < 0.05) 2. IL-17 (p < 0.05) 3. IL-22 (p < 0.05) |
4 w | NR |
| Lan 2021 [117] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 40 (25/15) 46.21 ± 8.07 y |
40 (23/17) 46.05 ± 8.69 y |
1. Dangguiyinzi (150 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (10 mg, b.i.d.) | 6.25 ± 3.00 y | 6.18 ± 1.95 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) |
12 w | Trial: 5 AEs (1 hyperlipidemia, 2 xeroma, 2 xerostomia) Control: 21 AEs (7 hyperlipidemia, 4 xeroma, 8 xerostomia, 2 cheilitis) |
| Le 2021 [175] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 43 (24/19) 42.17 ± 2.75 y |
42 (21/21) 42.34 ± 2.66 y |
1. Tianxian decoction (t.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) |
2. Acitretin capsule (30 mg, q.d.) | 4.68 ± 0.91 y | 4.71 ± 0.88 y | 1. PASI score (p < 0.05) 2. DLQI (p < 0.05) |
12 w | NR |
| Tang 2021 [171] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | Simple randomization (random number table) | 36 (19/17) 34.17 ± 1.75 y |
36 (20/16) 33.25 ± 1.67 y |
1. Qingreyangxuejiedu decoction (200 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, b.i.d.) |
1. Topical corticosteroid (Calcipotriol betamethasone ointment, b.i.d.) | 1.96 ± 0.76 y | 1.75 ± 0.49 y | 1.P ASI 60 (p < 0.05) 2. PASI score (p < 0.05) 3. IL-17 (p < 0.05) 4. IL-23 (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 1 AE (1 gastrointestinal discomfort) Control: 2 AEs (1 telangiectasia, 1 folliculitis) |
| Wang 2021 [98] | Randomized; Single center; Parallel | NR | 42 (22/20) 46.75 ± 21.23 y |
41 (21/20) 45.91 ± 20.89 y |
1. Qingreliangxue decoction (100 mL, b.i.d.) 2. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) 3. Topical corticosteroid (Mometasone furoate cream, q.d.) |
1. Acitretin capsule (20 mg, q.d.) 2. Topical corticosteroid (Mometasone furoate cream, q.d.) |
12.74 ± 5.23 y | 11.76 ± 5.48 y | 1. PASI 60 (p < 0.05) 3. Recurrence rate (p < 0.05) |
8 w | Trial: 9AEs (2 xerostomia, 5 xeroderma with pruritus, 2 diarrhea) Control: 10 AEs (2 xerostomia, 6 xeroderma with pruritus, 2 diarrhea) |
AEs: adverse events; b.i.d: bis in die; c: capsules; d: days; DLQI: dermatology life quality index; g: grams; IFN: interferon; IL: interleukin; m: months; mg: milligrams; NR: not reported; p: packs; PASI: psoriasis area severity index; q.d: quaque die; SD: standard deviation; t: tablets; t.i.d: ter in die; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; w: weeks; y: years; μg: micrograms.