Angina Pectoris, Chinese Medicine, Cochrane Library, Danshen, Suxiao Jiuxin

A review of suxiao jiuxin wan as treatment for angina pectoris

Suxiao jiuxin wan is a mixture of herbs that is used in China along with western medicine to treat angina.

This Cochrane review concluded that the evidence does not support its use.

Based on the results of 15 studies in 1776 patients, here’s what was found.

Compared to nitroglycerin, there was weak evidence that suxiao jiuxin did any of the following:

  • Improved heart rate and rhythm
  • Improved symptoms
  • Reduced the frequency of acute attacks of angina
  • Reduced diastolic pressure (the lower blood pressure number)
  • Reduced the need for supplementary nitroglycerin

Compared with danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), there was weak evidence that suxiao jiuxin improved any of the following:

  • Improved symptoms
  • Improved heart rate and rhythm

Compared to isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), there was no difference in the following:

  • Heart rate and rhythm
  • Symptom improvement

The bottom line?
Suxiao jiuxin appears to be safe, but based on the available evidence its contribution to the treatment angina pectoris is uncertain.

2/5/08 10:39 JR