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The Effects of Fenugreek Seed Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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Abstract

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are growing health issues worldwide. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common among CVDs in all populations. Fenugreek has recently been the center of multiple investigations.

Aim

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at gathering and summing up the existing literature regarding the impact of fenugreek seed on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Methods

All major databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from inception up to 28 June 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were included and the required data was extracted. The pooled effects were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs). I-squared test was used to detect between-study heterogeneities. Subgroup analyses were conducted to find sources of heterogeneities. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

Six RCTs including a total of 373 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Fenugreek seed supplementation significantly reduced SBP (WMD: 3.46 mmHg, 95% CI − 6.33, − 0.59, P=0.018), but not DBP (WMD: 3.19 mmHg; 95% CI, − 5.82 to 12.21, P=0.488). Subgroup analyses showed that fenugreek seed administered in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks significantly reduced SBP and DBP.

Conclusion

Supplementation with fenugreek seed, especially in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks, might play a role in reducing SBP, but not DBP. However, further investigations are warranted to ensure the clinical relevance of these findings.

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Data availability statement

The data will be provided on request.

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Acknowledgments

This study is related to the project NO. 1400/65284 From Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. We also appreciate the “Student Research Committee” and “Research & Technology Chancellor” in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences for their financial support of this study.

Funding

This study is related to the project NO. 1400/65284 From Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. We also appreciate the “Student Research Committee” and “Research & Technology Chancellor” in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences for their financial support of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Reza Amini

  2. Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran

    Nastaran Payandeh & Sanaz Pourreza

  3. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran

    Fatemeh Sheikhhossein

  4. Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

    Hamid Ghalandari

  5. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

    Moein Askarpour

  6. Students’ Research Committee, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

    Moein Askarpour

  7. Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Azita Hekmatdoost

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  1. Mohammad Reza Amini
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  2. Nastaran Payandeh
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Contributions

MRA designed the study. MRA and FSH did the literature search and screening data. MRA performed data extraction and quality assessment, independently. NP, FSH, SP, HG and MA interpreted data and wrote the manuscript. AH supervised the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Azita Hekmatdoost.

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Amini, M.R., Payandeh, N., Sheikhhossein, F. et al. The Effects of Fenugreek Seed Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 30, 123–133 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-023-00565-6

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