Objective: To discuss the effectiveness and safety of Wumei decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Method: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about Wumei decoction combined with western medicines and western medicine in treating ulcerative colitis were included. Their qualities were assessed by the Cochrane scale. The therapies

sample size

clinical efficacy

endoscopic improvement and adverse events of the included literatures were collected. A Meta-analysis was made on the efficacy and adverse events. Result: A total of 11 RCTs were included. The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared with the western medicine group

the combined RR of clinical efficacy and endoscopic improvement in the Wumei combined group was 1.57

95%CI (1.42

1.75) and 2.26

95%CI (1.38

3.71)

with statistical significance (P<0.05). Both of their adverse events showed no significant difference. The sensitivity analysis and funnel plot analysis showed a higher homogeneity in the literatures and no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: Compared with the western medicine

Wumei combined with western medicines had a better clinical efficacy and endoscopic improvement and good safety and so is suitable for clinical use. However

due to the low quality of the included literatures and insufficient experimental design

the study needs the support from a large sample-size randomized double-blind controlled trial.