Combined cordyceps sinensis and angiotension receptor blocker in treatment of diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis

Objective To systematically assess the effect of combined cordyceps sinensis and angiotension receptor blockers (ARB) on diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the combined cordyceps sinensis and ARB therapy for DN were retrieved from Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP (November 2012) and included in this meta-analysis. Results Thirty-nine RCT involving 2 653 patients were identified. The effect of combined cordyceps sinensis and ARB was better than that of ARB alone on the urinary protein excretion P＜ 0.000 01, MD= -100.31 (-122.14, -78.48) mg/24 h, 15 trials involving 1 752 patients, urinary albumin excretion rate P＜ 0.000 01, MD= -22.18 (-26.90, -17.47) μg/min, 13 trials involving 863 patients, and serum creatinine P＜ 0.000 1; MD= -10.46 (-15.50, -5.43) μmol/L, 19 trials involving 1 999 patients. Conclusion Combined cordyceps sinensis and ARB therapy can further reduce the urinary protein and improve the renal function in DN patients.