Systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of Xuesaitong combined with nutraceutical drugs in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Xuesaitong with nutraceutical drugs, including alpha-lipoic acid, B vitamins, and coenzyme Q10, in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted with 140 clinically diagnosed DPN patients, who were randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group received Xuesaitong along with nutraceuticals, while the control group was treated with nutraceuticals alone. Primary outcomes included changes in nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) and pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes assessed neuropathic symptoms (NSS), glycemic control (HbA1c), oxidative stress markers, inflammatory biomarkers and quality of life (SF-36). The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in NCVs of the peroneal, tibial, and sural nerves compared to the control group (p<0.01). Pain intensity (VAS) and neuropathy symptoms (NSS) significantly decreased, with VAS scores reduced from 7.3±1.2 to 1.5±0.6 (p<0.001) and NSS from 7.2±1.5 to 2.0±0.9 (p<0.001). The combination therapy of Xuesaitong and nutraceuticals demonstrated superior efficacy and safety in improving nerve function, reducing symptoms, managing inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhancing quality of life in DPN patients.