Plant-Derived Natural Products for Dietary Intervention in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

2025-05-26
Phytotherapy research : PTR 39(6)
- Elvan Wiyarta
- Refael Alfa Budiman
- Devina Ravelia Tiffany Subroto
- Moon Nyeo Park
- Nelly Mayulu
- Nurpudji Astuti Taslim
- Raymond Rubianto Tjandrawinata
- Trina Ekawati Tallei
- Hardinsyah Hardinsyah
- Fahrul Nurkolis
- Bonglee Kim

PubMed: 40420357
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8490

Study Design

Type: Review
Sample size: n = 2,513
Population: adults with obesity or overweight
Methods: Systematic review and network meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, searching five databases up to March 2024, using frequentist approach to assess 13 metabolic and obesity-related outcomes
Funding: Unclear

Growing rates of overweight and obesity worldwide call for novel approaches to treatment, and plant-derived natural products present a promising therapeutic option. Evaluate the efficacy of plant-derived natural products as dietary interventions for overweight and obesity through a systematic review and network meta-analysis. We conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched from five databases and registries up to March 2024, selecting randomized controlled trials examining dietary interventions with plant-derived natural products for adults with obesity or overweight. The frequentist approach was used for the network meta-analysis, assessing 13 metabolic and obesity-related outcomes. Our review included 39 studies with 2513 participants with PROSPERO registration ID CRD42024520305. African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing body weight (MD: -10.00 kg, 95% CI: -16.74 to -3.26), waist circumference (MD: -11.70 cm, 95% CI: -17.15 to -6.25), total cholesterol (MD: -44.01 mg/dL, 95% CI: -58.95 to -29.08), triglycerides (MD: -42.65 mg/dL, 95% CI: -79.70 to -5.60), and random blood glucose (MD: -14.95 mg/dL, 95% CI: -18.60 to -11.30). Green coffee led to the largest reduction in body fat percentage (MD: -2.90%, 95% CI: -4.88 to -0.92) and BMI (MD: -3.08 kg/m², 95% CI: -6.35 to 0.19). Ephedra was most effective in reducing fasting blood glucose (MD: -4.60 mg/dL, 95% CI: -5.49 to -3.71) and HOMA-IR (MD: -16.20, 95% CI: -18.66 to -13.74). There were too few direct comparisons between various metabolites; thus, most of the comparisons were indirect comparisons through placebo. Plant-derived natural products significantly impact obesity management, notably in body weight, waist circumference, and lipid profile reduction; however, further high-quality and rigorous studies were needed to establish the clinical efficacy of the plant-derived natural products.

Research Insights

African Mango→Increased Blood Glucose Levels
African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing ... random blood glucose (MD: -14.95 mg/dL, 95% CI: -18.60 to -11.30)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
African Mango→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing ... total cholesterol (MD: -44.01 mg/dL, 95% CI: -58.95 to -29.08)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
African Mango→Reduced Body Weight
African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing body weight (MD: -10.00 kg, 95% CI: -16.74 to -3.26)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
African Mango→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing ... triglycerides (MD: -42.65 mg/dL, 95% CI: -79.70 to -5.60)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
African Mango→Reduced Waist Circumference
African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing ... waist circumference (MD: -11.70 cm, 95% CI: -17.15 to -6.25)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Coffee→Reduced Body Fat Percentage
Green coffee led to the largest reduction in body fat percentage (MD: -2.90%, 95% CI: -4.88 to -0.92)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Coffee→Reduced Body Mass Index
Green coffee led to the largest reduction in ... BMI (MD: -3.08 kg/m², 95% CI: -6.35 to 0.19)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large