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

• Published in: High blood pressure & cardiovascular prevention 2023-03, Vol.30 (2), p.123-133
• Main Authors: Amini, Mohammad Reza, Payandeh, Nastaran, Sheikhhossein, Fatemeh, Pourreza, Sanaz, Ghalandari, Hamid, Askarpour, Moein, Hekmatdoost, Azita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bias; Blood pressure; Clinical trials; Diabetes; Hypertension; Intervention; Meta-analysis; Systematic review
• ISSN: 1120-9879; 1179-1985
• DOI: 10.1007/s40292-023-00565-6

IntroductionCardiovascular 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.AimIn 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).MethodsAll 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.ResultsSix 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.ConclusionSupplementation 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.