The effects of raspberry consumption on anthropometric indices and liver function tests in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In recent years, the therapeutic effects of raspberry have been the subject of several randomized control trials (RCTs). However, there is no consensus about the effect of raspberry consumption on anthropometric indices and liver function tests. So, the present review aims to investigate this effectiveness by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCTs) up to March 2024. The overall effect sizes were estimated using the random-effects model as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Nine studies (10 arms) with 355 participants were eligible for inclusion in this review. This meta-analysis showed that raspberry consumption did not lead to significant changes in anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, and waist circumference) and liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). Conclusion: This review revealed that raspberry consumption had no significant impact on anthropometric indices or liver function tests. However, more RCTs with a larger sample size and higher sensitivity are needed to draw definite conclusions.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=477568, PROSPERO ID: CRD42023477568.

The Effect of Ginseng Supplementation on Lipid Profile: GRADE-assessed Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall impact of Panax ginseng on lipid profile by synthesizing existing evidence. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly population, and serum lipids play a crucial role in its development. Maintaining optimal levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol is essential in reducing the risk of CVD. Ginsenosides, the active constituents in ginseng, have shown positive effects on lipid metabolism. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of ginseng in managing dyslipidemia, which could have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of CVD. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis of 29 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effects of ginseng supplementation on lipid profile, including Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), High- -density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. A systematic search was done in online databases, such as MEDLINE, Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, using relevant keywords and MeSH terms to identify relevant studies until January 2024. RESULTS: The Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C did not show significant changes with ginseng supplementation. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the results, using ginseng did not have a statistically significant influence on lipid profile parameters in individuals with different health conditions. Further, well-designed RCTs focusing on specific diseases are needed to clarify the potential beneficial effects of ginseng and its derivatives on lipid profile.

The effect of oral supplementation of Paricalcitol on C-reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease patients: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies investigating the effect of oral supplementation of paricalcitol on reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients reported inconsistent findings. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have analyzed and interpreted the results obtained from previous randomized clinical trials on the effect of paricalcitol on C-reactive protein in CKD patients in the literature. METHODS: MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases were searched until January 2023 and related articles were obtained through a careful screening process allowing extraction of required data from selected articles. The effect size was calculated using a random effect model and weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2. RESULTS: Amongst the 182 articles obtained from the initial search, 4 studies (6 arms) were finally included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis shows that C-reactive protein levels significantly decrease after oral supplementation with paricalcitol (WMD: -2.55 mg/L, 95% CI (-4.99 to -0.11; P = 0.04). The studies used in this meta-analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 66.3% and P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Oral paricalcitol supplementation in CKD patients can significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels, which may prevent CKD progression.

The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the rich phytochemical content of Silymarin, it may effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. We, therefore, aimed to examine the existing evidence on the effect of Silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress factors by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes. CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin can help reduce inflammation in patients with diabetes and thalassemia by reducing MDA as an oxidative stress marker and CRP and IL-6 as inflammatory markers.