Clinical Report: Effectiveness of Combining Methimazole with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Overview

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Methimazole (MMI) in managing Graves' Disease (GD).

Background

Graves' Disease is a leading cause of hyperthyroidism, particularly affecting women aged 30 to 50. Current treatments primarily include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and thyroidectomy, each with potential adverse effects.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 15 RCTs involving 1,317 GD patients were analyzed.
• Specific TCM regimens ranked highly for reducing autoantibodies TRAb and TPOAb.
• Adverse event reporting was incomplete and heterogeneous across studies.
• Modified Huagan Decoction + MMI was most effective for FT3 reduction.
• Huotan Jiangni Formula + MMI had the highest efficacy for lowering TPOAb.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the limitations in safety data due to inconsistent adverse event reporting.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to establish safety profiles.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Efficacy of methimazole combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Graves’ disease
2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2026 -- Impact of Low-dose Methotrexate Combined with Methimazole in Individuals with Graves’ Disease
3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2026 -- Thorough Evaluation of Various Interventions for Active Graves Orbitopathy
4. 2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis
5. Frontiers in Oncology — Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions in breast cancer treatment: a network meta-analysis
6. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Comparative efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional therapy for coronary heart disease complicated by diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
7. 2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis - Douglas S. Ross, Henry B. Burch, David S. Cooper, M. Carol Greenlee, Peter Laurberg, Ana Luiza Maia, Scott A. Rivkees, Mary Samuels, Julie Ann Sosa, Marius N. Stan, Martin A. Walter, 2016
8. Frontiers | Efficacy of methimazole combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Graves’ disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
9. High-dose versus low-dose block-and-replace treatment for a first episode of Graves' disease - PubMed