The traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Name: Αlpha¹ Rigor Record — The traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Item: The traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Rating: 96
Author: Αlpha¹

Cheang I, Yao W, Zhou Y, Zhu X, Ni G, Lu X, Liao S, Gao R, Zhou F, Shen J, Leung AYL, Jiang M, Kong H, Bai L, Mahemuti A, Yuan H, Dong YG, Wong CK, Xu Q, Zhang G, Wu J, Lu Q, Zhang J, Cha C, Ren Q, Fu L, Wang B, Xu Y, Hu H, Dong J, Shang Z, Yu C, Li S, Yao C, Gao L, Zhang H, Rosenzweig A, Jia Z, Li X, QUEST Trial Committees and Investigators

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$Αlpha¹ Rigor Review — 3.75★ (Adequate), 0 critical, 2 high issues for “The traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.”$

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Αlpha¹ Editorial

This rigor review was examined and confirmed by Αlpha¹ Editorial · August 16, 2026

Αlpha¹ Rigor Review

Rigor Reviewed

3.75 / 5

Adequate — real issues to address

Interventional Study

Critical

High-priority

How this rating was calculated▸

Started at 5★ — deductions

IntegrityIntegrity concern ×2−1★
ReportingData & code availability partially met−0.25★

Model-reported confidence: highReviewer agreement: highEngine: 7.39.0Source: full text

Problems surfaced2 types

Numerical inconsistencies1

Values that contradict each other or are impossible for the stated sample: recomputed p-values and test statistics, GRIM/GRIMMER checks on summary numbers, percentages against their own counts, totals against their parts, and estimates against their own confidence intervals.

Internal contradictions in the reported numbersAssessed

Reporting gaps1

Required detail the manuscript never states — study design, biological variables, ethics approval and consent, key resources, statistical reporting, data and code availability, and overall transparency.

Data/code availability incompleteAssessed

This Αlpha¹ Rigor Review uses AI Rigor Reviewers trained on a curated corpus of high-fidelity and retracted papers, with expert supervision and curation. It can still make mistakes; verify each finding against the source before relying on it.

This is a well-conducted and well-reported randomized controlled trial with rigorous design, clear ethics approval, and transparent reporting. The main weakness is the vague data availability statement, and there are minor internal inconsistencies in reported percentages that should be corrected.

Both reviewers classified the study as interventional, which is consistent with the randomized controlled trial design. The evaluation covered the full text, including methods, results, and discussion. Non-applicable sub-criteria (e.g., animal housing, cell line authentication) were excluded. The statistics verification recomputed only a subset of tests; the rest remain unverified.

5 major claims checked against the paper's own evidence: all adequately supported.

Efficacy claim is anchored to an adequate endpoint and a meaningful effect.

Recomputed 4 tests: 4 consistent, 0 inconsistent; 4 via agent-written checks.

2 integrity concerns flagged (0 high).

Reporting

Eight Dimensions7 pass · 1 warn

The introduction cites a pilot study (ChiCTR1900021929) showing promising effects of QLQX on NT-proBNP, symptoms, and quality of life, and acknowledges its small sample size. It also cites preclinical studies on myocardial metabolism, fibrosis, and remodeling. The rationale links the unmet need in HFrEF treatment to the potential of TCM, and the hypothesis follows logically. Limitations of prior research (small sample, high risk of bias in meta-analyses) are acknowledged in the Discussion.

Sub-criteria

prior work citedADEQUATE

premise rationaleADEQUATE

limitations addressedADEQUATE

Per reviewer (2) — the votes behind the verdict

PASSReviewer 1· 90% conf

The paper establishes a clear scientific premise by citing prior pilot and preclinical studies, and articulates a logical rationale for the trial.

Evidence

direct quote[Main, paragraph 2]

“In our pilot study, Qiliqiangxin (QLQX) capsules, a TCM formula, demonstrated promising results when added to established heart failure treatment for patients with HFrEF”