Gynostemma pentaphyllum for dyslipidemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

2022-08-26
Frontiers in pharmacology 13
- Ning Dai
- Fang-Fang Zhao
- Min Fang
- Feng-Lan Pu
- Ling-Yao Kong
- Jian-Ping Liu

PubMed: 36091752
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917521

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Population: 2,407 dyslipidemia participants
Methods: Eight databases and three clinical trial registries were searched until January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of GP for dyslipidemia were included. Trial quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Data were analyzed by RevMan 5.4 with effects estimated as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Objective: To evaluate the lipid-lowering effect and safety of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) used alone or as adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia. Methods: Eight databases and three clinical trial registries were searched until January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of GP for dyslipidemia were included. Trial quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Data were analyzed by RevMan 5.4 with effects estimated as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Twenty-two RCTs involving 2,407 dyslipidemia participants were included. Regarding the risk of bias, 14 RCTs had some concerns, seven RCTs were high, and one trial was low. GP was comparable to n-3 fatty acids (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.28) and red yeast rice (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.1-1.12) on normalization of serum lipids. GP plus n-3 fatty acid was superior in normalization of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) than n-3 fatty acids (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.77). GP was similar to lipid-lowering agents (statins, fibrates, and n-3 fatty acids) in regulating TG, TC, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents in TG (MD -0.65 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.28), LDL-C (MD -0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.08), and HDL-C (MD 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11-0.20). GP was inferior to red yeast rice in TC (MD 0.64 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.15-1.13), TG (MD 0.43 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.15-0.71), and HDL-C (MD -0.25 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.04). GP had fewer adverse events than lipid-lowering drugs. Conclusion: Very low certainty evidence showed that GP's effects on TC, TG, and HDL-C were comparable to that of lipid-lowering agents. Low certainty evidence showed that red yeast rice was superior to GP in TC, TG, and HDL-C. Low to moderate certainty evidence showed that the effects of GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to that of lipid-lowering agents on TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. GP use for more than 8 weeks appears safe. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202210135.

Research Insights

Jiaogulan→Increased HDL Cholesterol Levels
GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents in TG (MD -0.65 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.28), LDL-C (MD -0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.08), and HDL-C (MD 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11-0.20).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Jiaogulan→Normalized Lipid Profile
GP was comparable to n-3 fatty acids (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.28) and red yeast rice (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.1-1.12) on normalization of serum lipids.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Jiaogulan→Normalized Triglyceride
GP plus n-3 fatty acid was superior in normalization of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) than n-3 fatty acids (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.77).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Jiaogulan→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
GP was inferior to red yeast rice in TC (MD 0.64 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.15-1.13), TG (MD 0.43 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.15-0.71), and HDL-C (MD -0.25 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.04).
Effect
Harmful
Effect size
Small
Jiaogulan→Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level
GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents in TG (MD -0.65 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.28), LDL-C (MD -0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.08), and HDL-C (MD 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11-0.20).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Jiaogulan→Reduced Total Cholesterol Levels
GP plus n-3 fatty acid was superior in normalization of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) than n-3 fatty acids (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.77).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Jiaogulan→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents in TG (MD -0.65 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.28), LDL-C (MD -0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.08), and HDL-C (MD 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11-0.20).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate

Adverse Events Reported

Jiaogulan→Overall tolerability
GP had fewer adverse events than lipid-lowering drugs.
Finding
Reported