| Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Qianggu capsules combined with calcitonin in the treatment of osteoporosis. Methods Main databases from the inception of each database up to 1 April 2017 were electronically searched. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of Qianggu capsules combined with calcitonin for osteoporosis treatment were included. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. We assessed the quality of included studies using the Jadad rating scale. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Results Fives studies met the inclusion criteria were included. The meta-analysis results showed that comparing Qianggu capsules combined with calcitonin experimental group with the control group, the total efficiency rate odds ratio (OR) was 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13，6.44], the difference was statistically significant (P=0.02); bone mineral density mean difference (MD) was 0.11, 95% CI [0.08, 0.13], the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001); blood phosphorus MD was 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09], the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). Alkaline phosphatase MD was -7.40, 95% CI [-11.15,-3.65], the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0001). All studies included did not report any adverse reactions. Conclusion Qianggu capsules combined with calcitonin in the treatment of osteoporosis showed significant clinical curative effect; could increase bone mineral density and blood phosphorus, reduce alkaline phosphatase and have good safety. However, the number and the study sample size were small and the methodological quality was low. To further evaluate the effect and safety of Qianggu capsules combined with calcitonin for treating osteoporosis, more rationally designed RCTs with large samples need to be carried out. |