Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Elettaria Cardamomum Supplementation on Glycemic Indices and Anthropometric Measurements

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a problem for public health worldwide and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) as a spice which contains polyphenolic components may have a beneficial effect on the status of diabetes patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to update the efficacy of cardamom intake on weight reduction and glycemic control. Methods: Electronic databases were searched up to December 2023 to identify eligible articles. Mean differences were pooled using a fixed effects model, and standard methods were used for the assessment of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias. Results: Totally, eight studies were included in the final analysis. Analysis showed that cardamom intake attenuated serum level of insulin [standard mean difference (SMD): -0.64, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.43, P<0.001], whereas changes of fasting blood glucose (SMD: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.33 to 0.06), weight (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.23 to 0.20) and body mass index (SMD: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.11) were not significant. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present meta-analysis, cardamom intake significantly declined serum insulin level but did not have any significant effect on fasting blood glucose, weight, and body mass index