The effect of cinnamon consumption on lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers in adults: An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Effects of flaxseed supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Several studies reported the benefits of flaxseed on inflammatory biomarkers, while others reported conflicting findings. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the impacts of flaxseed on inflammatory biomarkers in adults. Databases including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences were searched till February 2024. The 54 RCTs were included in the final analysis, which involved 3000 individuals from 12 countries. Overall, the flaxseed supplementation had a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = -0.46; 95 % CI: -0.70, -0.23, P < 0.001; I2 = 82.9 %, P < 0.001), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD = -0.64, 95 % CI: -1.13, -0.16, P = 0.010; I2 = 92.7, P < 0.001). Furthermore, flaxseed did not significantly change the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (SMD = -0.17; 95 % CI: -0.63, 0.29, P = 0.467; I2 = 92, P < 0.001). Flaxseed supplementation significantly decreased serum concentrations of CRP and IL-6, but not TNF-a. Thus, this meta-analysis suggests that the current evidence supports the potential benefits of flaxseed in managing inflammatory conditions.

Effect of cinnamon as a Chinese herbal medicine on markers of cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Cinnamon, a Chinese herbal medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for PCOS-related cardiovascular complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of cinnamon supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in women diagnosed with PCOS.

METHODS

Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes assessed were body weight, insulin resistance measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting blood sugar (FBS).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of cinnamon on reducing weight. Under the random-effects model, the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was -0.47 kg (95 % CI: -0.80 to -0.15, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0 %). There was also a beneficial impact on insulin resistance, with reduced HOMA-IR scores following cinnamon supplementation (SMD=0.5015, 95 % CI: 0.2496 to 0.7533, p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in FBS levels (pooled WMD: -7.72 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -12.33 to -3.12, p < 0.001; I2 = 91.3 %). The meta-analysis indicated a tendency towards reduced total cholesterol (WMD: -11.12 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -19.06 to -3.18, p = 0.01; I2 = 0.0 %) and LDL levels (WMD: -11.11 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -18.22 to -4.00, p < 0.01; I2 = 0.0 %) following cinnamon intervention. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the studies, indicating the need for further research with larger sample sizes and standardized methodologies.

CONCLUSION

Cinnamon supplementation demonstrates promising effects on body weight, blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS, indicating its potential in mitigating cardiovascular risk factors associated with this condition.

Could polyphenols be an effective treatment in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a health problem observed in women of reproductive age. Different diets, physical activity recommendations and lifestyle changes can be effective in dealing with the symptoms of PCOS. Nutrition is indeed an essential part of the treatment of the disease as it directly affects body weight loss, insulin resistance, lipid profile, hormones, and dermatological complaints such as acne. Polyphenols, simply classified as flavonoids and non-flavonoids, are bioactive components found in plant-based foods. The most common polyphenols in the diet are flavanols, flavonols, flavanone, anthocyanins. In particular, polyphenols which are compounds naturally found in foods, have antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic benefits along with many other ones. In the treatment of PCOS, polyphenols may help reduce the symptoms, improve insulin resistance and poor lipid profile, and cure hormonal disorders. It has been reported that polyphenols are influential in menstrual cycle disorders and enable a decrease in body weight, hyperandrogenism, estrogen, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios and LH. For adequate daily intake of polyphenols, which are found in high amounts in fruits and vegetables, at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables should be consumed in addition to a healthy nutrition pattern. In this review, the effects of various polyphenols on polycystic ovary syndrome are discussed.