The effects of fenugreek on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading causes of mortality across the world. Some earlier studies have revealed the beneficial effects of fenugreek on the risk factors for CVDs. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to clarify its effectiveness. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of fenugreek on several cardiometabolic risk factors in adult populations. Four electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from 2000 to 31 July 2019 to identify studies with English language. Controlled clinical trials on fenugreek reported at least one of cardiometabolic risk factors was included. Pooled effect sizes were reported as Weighted Mean Differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Trials were pooled using a random effect model with DerSimonian and Laird method. Finally, out of 2738 publications, 12 articles were included in the meta-analysis. We found that fenugreek seed vs. placebo can reduce FBS (WMD: -12.94 mg/dL, 95%CI: -21.39 mg/dL, -4.49; I2: 85.0%, p heterogeneity = 0.0001), HbA1c (WMD: -0.58%%, 95% CI: -0.99, -0.17%; I2:0%, p heterogeneity =0.61), total cholesterol (WMD:-9.13 mg/dL, 95% CI: -13.83, -4.43; I2:0, p heterogeneity = 0.48), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD:-11.11 mg/dL, 95% CI: -20.32, -1.90; I2:1.41%, p heterogeneity = 0.36). However, no significant changes were observed in other cardiometabolic parameters. Fenugreek seed as an adjuvant therapy may reduce serum levels of FBS, LDL-C and HbA1c. However, due to high heterogeneity in glycemic status, findings must be interpreted with great caution. More placebo-controlled clinical trials are warranted to further assess the effectiveness of fenugreek as a complementary therapy to control cardio-metabolic risk factors.