The add-on effect of dengzhan shengmai capsules on secondary prevention of ischemic stroke: A multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

•This clinical trial suggests that the addition of Dengzhan Shengmai capsules, a commercially available type of Chinese herbal medicine, to standard secondary preventive agents provides additional benefits after the initial onset of ischemic stroke, reducing recurrent stroke without increasing severe adverse events.•It is the first prospective, multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial performed in Mainland China investigating the ability of Chinese herbal medicine to reduce the one-year rate of recurrent stroke in a large patient population.•However, current practice has changed considerably. Further studies are needed to assess the role of Dengzhan Shengmai capsules in current clinical practice for stroke and to determine its optimal timing for secondary prevention.