Effect of Cynara scolymus L. on Cardiometabolic Outcomes: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Meta-regression

Abstract

Background: Artichoke ( Cynara scolymus L.) has the potential to treat diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. However, the evidence from previous studies is not consistent. Objectives: This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of products derived from artichokes on blood glucose, lipid level, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters. Methodology: The literature was reviewed via international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus). A total of 21 RCTs with high quality, assessed by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, were included. Results: Artichoke was linked to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: −3.76 mg/dL: 95%CI −7.31, −0.22), insulin level (WMD: −1.35 mIU/L: 95%CI −2.29, −0.41), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −1.00: 95%CI −1.95, −0.06). Similar results were observed for LDL-c (WMD: −12.94 mg/dL: 95%CI −18.02, −7.87), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −19.64 mg/dL: 95%CI −23.94, −15.35), and triglyceride (TG) (WMD: −13.36 mg/dL: 95%CI −19.06, −7.66). Moreover, participants who administered artichoke experienced a significant reduction in SBP (WMD: −1.59 mmHg: 95%CI −3.02, −0.16), body weight (BW) (WMD: −1.17 kg: 95%CI −1.75, −0.60), and BMI (WMD: −0.30 kg/m2: 95%CI −3.02, −0.16). Conclusion: Artichoke may improve blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters. A large, well-designed RCT and head-to-head comparison using a standardized preparation of artichoke will provide definitive data on specific participants.