Effects of cinnamon supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A Scoping Review of the Clinical Evidence for the Health Benefits of Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing global health problem. Evidence suggests that diets rich in phytochemical-containing herbs and spices can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This review assesses the scope of evidence supporting the use of herbs and spices in the diet for the prevention or treatment of MetS and its associated health conditions. A search of the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases was carried out to assess the available clinical evidence for culinary doses of commonly used herbs and spices. Trials that were measuring health factors related to metabolic disorders in healthy individuals, or the health of individuals with MetS or associated diseases, were included. Out of a total of 1738 papers identified, there were 142 relevant studies on black pepper, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, nigella seed, rosemary, sage and turmeric. No relevant research was found for cloves, mint, oregano, parsley or thyme. Cinnamon, fenugreek and ginger were the herbs/spices with the most published trials on them and that showed promise for glycaemic control. Cardamom appears to have potential to reduce inflammatory markers, and cinnamon, ginger and turmeric to reduce blood lipids. Patients with type 2 diabetes were the population most likely to be included in studies, but the preventative benefits of herbs/spices in healthy populations were also investigated, particularly for chilli, ginger and cinnamon. There is evidence for the beneficial effect of culinary doses of many common herbs/spices in the prevention and treatment of MetS and associated disorders.

The effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The electiveness of Capsicum annuum supplementation in controlling dyslipidemia in adults has been unclear. Therefore, this meta-analysis focuses on the relationship between C. annuum supplementation and lipid profile in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to March 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the administration of C. annuum compared to control on lipid markers in adults with MetS and related disorders were examined. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of four eligible RCTs showed that C. annuum supplementation could significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -4.98 mg/dL, 95% CI: -7.08 to -2.88, p ≤ 0.001) levels, but did not regulate triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In summary, the present findings suggest the beneficial effects of C. annuum supplementation on the reduction of plasma levels of TC. However, to draw a firm link between C. annuum supplementation and lipid profile, more trials with adequate sample sizes, specifically in subjects with dyslipidemia are warranted.