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L. barbarum (Lycium barbarum L.) supplementation for lipid profiles in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

  • 2023-09-29
  • Medicine 102(39)
    • Xueyuan Zeng
    • Weimin Zhao
    • Siming Wang
    • Huazhong Xiong
    • Junliang Wu
    • Jixiang Ren

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 259
Population
259 adults
Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; searched PubMed, CNKI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Database from inception to October 2022; random-effects model.

Background

Dyslipidemia is a global health concern with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) is widely used as a medicinal and functional food, and evidence suggests that it may be beneficial for lipid management. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of L. barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults.

Methods

PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception until October 2022. The random-effect model was applied, and the pooled effect sizes were expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials involving 259 subjects indicated that L. barbarum supplementation significantly decreased the triglyceride (TG) concentration (MD: 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.08-0.20) and increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) (MD: -0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.01). However, the reductions in total cholesterol (TC) concentration (MD: 0.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.59) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration (MD: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.89) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The present study showed that L. barbarum supplementation might have some beneficial effects on TG and HDL-C concentrations in adults, and L. barbarum fruit has an even greater effect on TG and HDL-C concentrations. Considering the sensitivity analyses and limitations of the study included, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Research Insights

  • Wolfberry→Increased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

    increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) (MD: -0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.01)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Wolfberry→Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    the reductions in ... low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration (MD: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.89) were not statistically significant

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Wolfberry→Reduced Total Cholesterol

    the reductions in total cholesterol (TC) concentration (MD: 0.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.59) ... were not statistically significant

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Wolfberry→Reduced Triglyceride Levels

    L. barbarum supplementation significantly decreased the triglyceride (TG) concentration (MD: 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.08-0.20)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
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