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. 2026 Feb 23;12:1656420. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1656420

FIGURE 1.

Flowchart outlining study identification via databases and registers. Initially, 1,630 records were identified from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. After removing 273 duplicates, 1,357 records were screened. Of these, 519 were excluded due to irrelevance, being reviews, case reports, or animal experiments. From 838 remaining, 659 not being randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were excluded. 179 reports were assessed for eligibility, with 163 excluded for not evaluating desired outcomes. Ultimately, 16 RCTs were included in the review.

PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) flow diagram for selection and inclusion of the studies via databases. Latest search date: Mar, 2025. Process followed PRISMA-NMA guidelines; final inclusion of 16 RCTs after screening.