A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared Danshen dripping pill (DSP) with isosorbide dinitrate (ID) in treatment of stable angina. A search of 1996 – 2010 databases was performed. 245 studies were screened including 1,536 patients (DSP therapy 847; ID therapy 689). There was evidence that DSP treatment improved angina symptoms more than ID treatment (93.4% vs. 73.8%,) . DSP as compared to ID treatment also resulted in superior electrocardiograms (69.7% vs. 46.3%).
The results also showed that DSP plus routine therapy compared with ID plus routine therapy increased the improvement in symptoms and ECG results. This study suggested DSP is an effective therapy to treat stable angina.