Quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials of top 10 herbs prescribed in Thailand

Introduction: Given the questionable quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of herbal interventions, especially in developing countries, this study aims to evaluate the quality of reporting of RCTs of the top 10 herbs prescribed in Thailand and published in Thai healthcare journals. Methods: A systematic search was conducted within five databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Thai Journal Online, Thai Index Medicus, and Online Public Access Catalog of Khon Kaen University for Thai and English herbal medicine intervention RCTs published in Thai healthcare journals. Reporting quality of RCTs was assessed by using adapted CONSORT Herbal Intervention and CONSORT 2010 comprised of 52 items. Results: Of 1351 potential studies, 16 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. For the quality of reporting by each item of 16 included studies, 27 of 52 items were reported in at least 50 % of RCTs which data on participants, physical characteristics of the herbal product, similarity of interventions, baseline data, numbers analyzed, ancillary analyses, and generalizability were reported in all included RCTs when applicable. However, 20 items had less than 50 % reported in included RCTs. There were no included RCTs reported information on the participant flow diagram, registration, and protocol. Discussion/Conclusions: The quality of reporting of Thai herbal invention RCTs published in Thai healthcare journals was suboptimal. Improvement in the reporting quality of Thai herbal RCTs was needed to provide a high level of evidence. Relevant Thai healthcare journals should encourage Thai herbal medicine RCT authors to follow the CONSORT statement and herbal medicine intervention extensions.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the top 10 herbs prescribed in Thailand and published in Thai healthcare journals. The results showed that the quality of reporting of Thai herbal intervention RCTs published in Thai healthcare journals was suboptimal.