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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether Shensong Yangxin capsule — a traditional Chinese patent medicine — could help prevent atrial fibrillation returning after catheter ablation when used alongside conventional anti-arrhythmic drug therapy. Researchers searched eight databases and identified nine randomised controlled trials involving 2,199 patients, assessing both the rate of recurrence and the safety profile of the combination approach.
The pooled results showed that adding Shensong Yangxin capsule to anti-arrhythmic drugs reduced early recurrence of atrial fibrillation by approximately 45% across all atrial fibrillation patient groups. For those with persistent atrial fibrillation specifically, the combination therapy also reduced late recurrence by around 38%. Importantly, no statistically significant increase in adverse events was observed in patients receiving Shensong Yangxin capsule compared with those in control groups, suggesting a favourable safety profile.
The certainty of evidence was rated as moderate for late recurrence outcomes and low for early recurrence outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. The authors note that all included trials were conducted in Chinese populations, and they caution against directly applying these findings to Western populations without further research.
Conclusion: Shensong Yangxin capsule appears to be a safe and effective adjunct to anti-arrhythmic drug therapy for reducing atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation, particularly early recurrence in all atrial fibrillation patients and late recurrence in those with persistent atrial fibrillation.
Source: Mao T, Li Y, Chen J and colleagues. Journal of ethnopharmacology (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42219066) · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2026.121928