Employment of Eugenia uniflora in glycemic control and prevention of diabetes mellitus complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with considerable morbidity and mortality. The use of medicinal plants, such as Eugenia uniflora L., is a promising adjuvant in the treatment of this disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of E. uniflora on glycemic control and prevention of DM complications. Searches were performed in Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase databases. Eligibility criteria were clinical or in vivo preclinical trials that evaluated the use of E. uniflora in glycemic control and prevention of DM complications, written in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Three pre clinical in vivo trials were included in the systematic review and two in the meta-analysis. All studies demonstrated that the administration of E. uniflora provided a beneficial result in glycemic control. Positive results were also observed in DM comorbidities and complications. In the meta-analysis, it was evidenced that the animals that received E. uniflora had reduced levels of glucose and triglycerides in relation to those that did not receive the treatment. Thus, E. uniflora helps in glycemic control and DM complications. However, it is necessary to carry out clinical trials to evaluate its use in patients with DM.