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Zhiling decoction for vascular dementia.

BACKGROUND
Zhiling decoction has a fixed composition of 15 Chinese herbs. The properties of each of these herbs and in combination provide the therapeutic rationale for a possible action of Zhiling decoction in dilating cerebral vessels and increasing cerebral blood flow, as well as reducing serum cholesterol. Thus the aim of this review is to evaluate efficacy and safety of Zhiling decoction for the treatment of vascular dementia.


OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of Zhiling decoction for vascular dementia.


SEARCH STRATEGY
The Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group was searched on 2 January 2004 using the term Zhiling. This Register contains records from all major health care databases and many ongoing trials databases and is updated regularly. In addition the reviewers hand searched 83 Chinese Traditional Medicine Journals (1993 to 2003).


SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials comparing Zhiling decoction with placebo in people with vascular dementia.


DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials where possible.


MAIN RESULTS
In the absence of any suitable randomised placebo-controlled trials in this area, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis.


REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS
The currently available evidence is insufficient to assess the potential for Zhiling decoction in the treatment of vascular dementia. The little objective data concerning the management of Zhiling decoction versus Naofukang suggests that Zhiling decoction may be effective in treating vascular dementia. There is no evidence for or against Zhiling as a treatment for vascular dementia. Further randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are urgently needed in order to define the relative efficacy and acceptability of Zhiling in vascular dementia.