Table 3 Major findings of the RCTs included in the review

1

Wu et al., 2020 [43]

Jianpi Qingzhi prescription

Diet and exercise

Polyene Phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU, CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

FBG, FINs, HOMA-IR,

TG, TC

DAO, LPS, d-lactic acid, Claudin-1, Claudin-4

2

Lyv et al., 2020 [47]

Shenge formula

Diet and exercise

N/A

Diet and exercise

6 months

Yes

N/A

N/A

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

3

Yang et al., 2019 [59]

Yanggan Jieyu granule

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

24 weeks

Yes

N/A

CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, LDL-C

N/A

4

Yang et al., 2019 [97]

Qinjiang Baoling decoction

Diet and exercise

N/A

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU, CT

ALT, GGT

BMI

HOMA-IR

TC, HDL-C

N/A

5

Li et al., 2018 [62]

Qutan Huoxue decoction

N/A

Silibinin capsules

N/A

24 weeks

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

6

Chen et al., 2017 [98]

Shuangqing granule

Diet and exercise

Xuezhikang capsules

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU

AST, ALT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

7

Hu et al., 2017 [31]

Jianpishugan and Huoxuehuatan formula

Diet and exercise

Polyene Phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

BMI

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

8

Jiang et al., 2017 [41]

Dahuang Lidan capsule

Diet and exercise

Polyene Phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

9

Yang et al.,2017 [53]

Cigu Xiaozhi capsule

Diet and exercise

Polyene Phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

8 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST, ALP, GGT

BMI

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

10

Jeong et al., 2017 [28]

Test group 1—HL tablet—high dose

N/A

Placebo

N/A

12 weeks

N/A

Yes

N/A

ALT, AST

BMI

HOMA-IR

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

MRS, free fatty acid

Test group 2—HL tablet—low dose

N/A

Placebo

N/A

12 weeks

N/A

11

Sun et al., 2017 [68]

Jianpi Qushi prescription

Diet and exercise

N/A

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

FPG, FINs

TG, TC

N/A

12

Niu 2016 [48]

Shugan Jianpi Huatan decoction

Diet and exercise

Atorvastatin calcium tablets

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

N/A

N/A

ALT, AST

N/A

FBG, FNIs, HOMA-IR

TG, TC

N/A

13

Zhang et al., 2016 [99]

Yiqi Qizhu decoction

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

14

Zhang et al., 2016 [34]

Jiang Zhi granules

N/A

Ursodeoxycholic acid capsules

N/A

24 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

15

Qi et al., 2016 [63]

Jiangpi Shugan Huoxue Huatan decoction

Diet and exercise

Silibinin capsules

N/A

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

16

Tan et al., 2016 [100]

Shugan Jianpi decoction

Diet and exercise

Pioglitazone

N/A

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST

BMI, WHR

FBG, FNIs, HOMA-IR

TG, TC

N/A

17

Yu et al., 2016 [69]

Qinggan Jiangzhi decoction

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine tablet and Dangfei Liganning capsule

Diet and exercise

24 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

BMI, BM

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

18

Yin et al., 2016 [35]

Danxia Zhifang decoction; simulated Zhiganxiao capsule

N/A

Qianggan capsule

N/A

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU, CT

ALT, AST, GGT,TB, DB, TP, ALB, A/G,

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

19

Zhu 2015 [33]

Qingdan Jiangzhi decoction

Diet and exercise

Tiopronin enteric-coated tablets

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

20

Li 2015 [64]

Huatan Lishi Huoxue granule combined granule decoction

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT

N/A

N/A

TG

N/A

21

Chen et al., 2015 [101]

Zaozhu Yinchen decoction

N/A

Silymarin meglumine tablet

N/A

2 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

22

Yu et al., 2015 [52]

Tiaogan Lipi recipe

Diet and exercise

Placebo

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

23

Li et al., 2015 [58]

Qinghua decoction

Diet and exercise

N/A

Diet and exercise

6 months

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST, GGT, TB

BMI, WHR

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

24

Liu et al., 2014 [49]

Heze lipid-lowering oral liquid

N/A

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

N/A

4 months

Yes

N/A

CT

ALP, AST, GGT, GLP, ALB

BMI

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

25

Liu et al., 2014 [50]

Ruangan Jiangzhi capsule

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

26

Li et al., 2014 [51]

Jianpi Shugan recipe

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

27

Zhu et al., 2014 [102]

Zhigan pill

N/A

Placebo

N/A

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

28

Wen et al., 2014 [60]

Jiangan Xiaozhi granule

Diet and exercise

Hedan tablet

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

29

Deng, 2013 [103]

Jiangan Sanqing decoction

N/A

Polyene Phosphatidylcholine capsules

N/A

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

30

Li et al., 2013 [54]

Jianpi Huatan Zhuyu prescription

N/A

Qianggan capsule

N/A

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

31

Song et al., 2013 [104]

Modified Linggui Zhugan decoction

N/A

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

N/A

3 months

Yes

N/A

CT

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

32

Li et al., 2013 [42]

Qushi Huayu decoction

N/A

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

N/A

24 weeks

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

33

Wong et al., 2013 [26]

Phyllanthus urinaria

Diet and exercise

Placebo

Diet and exercise

24 weeks

N/A

Yes

N/A

ALT, AST

N/A

HbA1

HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

34

Pan et al., 2013 [27]

Jiang Zhi granule

Diet and exercise

Placebo

Diet and exercise

24 weeks

N/A

Yes

CT

N/A

BMI

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

35

Chen et al., 2012 [45]

Jindanwang mixture

Diet

Ursodeoxycholic acid capsules

Diet

24 weeks

Yes

N/A

BU, CT

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

36

Zhao et al., 2012 [30]

Huatan Xiezhuo recipe

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

N/A

ALT

BMI

N/A

TG

N/A

37

Wang et al., 2012 [65]

Yigan Jiedu decoction

Diet and exercise

Silymarin

Diet and exercise

2 months

Yes

N/A

N/A

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

38

Pei et al., 2012 [70]

Qinggan Huatan Huoxue recipe

Diet and exercise

Danning tablet

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

BMI

FBG, FNIs, HOMA-IR

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

39

Wu 2012 [83]

Jianpi Huatan formula

N/A

Vitamin E

N/A

3 months

N/A

Yes

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

FBG, FNIs, HOMA-IR

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

40

Tong et al., 2011 [105]

Jiedu Jianpi Tongluo decoction

N/A

Silibinin capsules

N/A

12 weeks

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT, TB

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

41

Zhang et al., 2011 [66]

Kangzhi decoction

N/A

Tiopronin enteric-coated tablets

N/A

6 months

Yes

Yes

BU, CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

42

Gu et al., 2011 [61]

Zhigan capsule

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT

BMI

FBG

TG, TC, LDL-C

N/A

43

Zhao et al., 2010 [46]

Qiyin tea

N/A

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

N/A

2 months

Yes

N/A

BU

AST, ALP, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

44

Ding et al., 2010 [88]

Pingganjian decoction

Diet and exercise

Silymarin, Ultivarietas Oryzae Saltlicae Et Monasci

Diet and exercise

3 months

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT, AST

BMI,WHR

FBG, FNIs, HOMA-IR

TG, TC

N/A

45

Pan et al., 2010 [32]

Tiaozhiji granules

N/A

Hedan tablet

N/A

3 months

Yes

Yes

BU, CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

46

Liu et al., 2008 [67]

Qiyin granules

Diet and exercise

Polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules

Diet and exercise

2 months

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

47

Ji et al., 2008 [25]

Danning tablet

Diet and exercise

Ursodeoxycholic acid tablet

Diet and exercise

24 weeks

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT, AST, GGT

BMI

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

48

Chen et al., 2008 [29]

Xiaoyao San decoction and Danggui Shaoyao San decoction

Diet

Anethol trithione

Diet

3 months

Yes

N/A

BU

ALT, AST

N/A

N/A

TG, TC

N/A

49

Lou et al., 2008 [44]

Yiqi Sanju formula

N/A

Placebo

N/A

3 months

Yes

Yes

CT

ALT, AST

BMI

FBG, FNIs, HOMA-IR

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

hs-CRP, TNF-α

50

Li et al., 2007 [55]

Jianpi Bushen decoction

N/A

Silibinin

N/A

8 weeks

Yes

Yes

BU

ALT, AST, GGT,TB

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

51

Yang et al., 2007 [56]

Yigan Jiangzhi capsule

N/A

Dongbao Gantai tablet

N/A

3 months

N/A

N/A

BU, CT

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

52

Gu et al., 2007 [24]

Tiaozhi Yanggan decoction

Diet and exercise

Thiola tablet

Diet and exercise

12 weeks

Yes

Yes

N/A

ALT, AST, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C

N/A

53

Chen et al., 2006 [57]

Qianggan capsule

Diet and exercise

Tiopronin

Diet and exercise

3 months

N/A

N/A

BU

ALT, GGT

N/A

N/A

TG

N/A

1

Wu et al., 2020 [43]

93.33%

80.00%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

2

Lyv et al., 2020 [47]

100.00%

48.39%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

3

Yang et al., 2019 [59]

86.67%

73.33%

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

4

Yang et al., 2019 [97]

64.00%

52.00%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

5

Li et al., 2018 [62]

84.13%

56.45%

Test group (P < 0.01)

None

None

6

Chen et al., 2017 [98]

89.7%

84.0%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

7

Hu et al., 2017 [31]

94.28%

77.14%

Test group (P < 0.01)

None

None

8

Jiang et al., 2017 [41]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.01)

ADR1

None

9

Yang et al., 2017 [53]

93.02%

68.18%

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

10

Jeong et al., 2017 [28]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

High dose group (P = 0.033)

ADR2

None

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Low dose group (P = 0.386)

11

Sun et al., 2017 [68]

93.33%

61.67%

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

12

Niu 2016 [48]

95.00%

76.60%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

13

Zhang et al., 2016 [99]

92.31%

78.85%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

14

Zhang et al., 2016 [34]

33.80%

23.39%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

15

Qi et al., 2016 [63]

93.30%

62.20%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

16

Tan et al., 2016 [100]

87.23%

71.11%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR3

None

17

Yu et al., 2016 [69]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

18

Yin et al., 2016 [35]

81.63%

62.5%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

19

Zhu, 2015 [33]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

20

Li, 2015 [64]

98.10%

80.80%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

21

Chen et al., 2015 [101]

87.50%

73.68%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

22

Yu et al., 2015[52]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

23

Li et al., 2015 [58]

58.33%

30.51%

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

24

Liu et al., 2014 [49]

52.94%

29.09%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

25

Liu et al., 2014 [50]

91.67%

56.67%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR4

None

26

Li et al., 2014 [51]

84.09%

75.00%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR5

None

27

Zhu et al., 2014 [102]

85.83%

63.16%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

28

Wen et al., 2014 [60]

78.40%

55.60%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

29

Deng, 2013 [103]

90.00%

70.00%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

30

Li et al., 2013 [54]

86.60%

66.60%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

31

Song et al., 2013 [104]

91.70%

69.00%

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

32

Li et al., 2013 [42]

specific outcome readings

specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.01)

ADR6

None

33

Wong et al., 2013 [26]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Not siginificant

ADR7

ADR8

34

Pan et al., 2013 [27]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR9

None

35

Chen et al., 2012 [45]

94.00%

92.00%

No siginificant differences (P > 0.05)

N/A

N/A

36

Zhao et al., 2012 [30]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.01)

None

None

37

Wang et al., 2012 [65]

75.56%

51.11%

Test group (P < 0.01)

N/A

N/A

38

Pei et al., 2012 [70]

87.20%

73.60%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR10

None

39

Wu 2012 [83]

83.30%

46.67%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

40

Tong et al., 2011 [105]

86.67%

76.09%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

41

Zhang et al., 2011 [66]

86.90%

67.70%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

42

Gu et al., 2011 [61]

90.00%

72.00%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR11

None

43

Zhao et al., 2010 [46]

87.60%

83.90%

No siginificant differences (p = 0.873)

N/A

N/A

44

Ding et al., 2010 [88]

83.33%

45.10%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR12

None

45

Pan et al., 2010 [32]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

46

Liu et al., 2008 [67]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

47

Ji et al., 2008 [25]

Specific outcome readings

Specific outcome readings

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR13

None

48

Chen et al., 2008 [29]

96.77%

83.87%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

49

Lou et al., 2008 [44]

94.87%

32.14%

Test group (P < 0.01)

ADR14

None

50

Li et al., 2007 [55]

87.23%

71.11%

Test group (P < 0.05)

None

None

51

Yang et al., 2007 [56]

88.20%

71.70%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A

52

Gu et al., 2007 [24]

81.19%

68.97%

Test group (P < 0.05)

ADR15

None

53

Chen et al., 2006 [57]

79.69%

62.07%

Test group (P < 0.05)

N/A

N/A