The Impact of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to summarise clinical evidence regarding the effect of supplementation with cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) on different cardiometabolic outcomes. An extensive literature survey was carried out until 10 April 2024. A total of 415 participants from six eligible studies were included. The overall results from the random-effects model indicated that cornelian cherry supplementation significantly reduced body weight (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −0.27, confidence interval [CI]: −0.52, −0.02, p = 0.03), body mass index (SMD = −0.42, CI: −0.73, −0.12, p = 0.007), fasting blood glucose (SMD = −0.46, CI: −0.74, −0.18, p = 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (SMD = −0.70, CI: −1.19, −0.22, p = 0.005), and HOMA-IR (SMD = −0.89, CI: −1.62, −0.16, p = 0.02), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased (SMD = 0.38, CI: 0.10, 0.65, p = 0.007). A sensitivity analysis showed that cornelian cherry supplementation significantly reduced total plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin levels. Cornelian cherry supplementation did not significantly affect waist circumference and liver parameters among the participants. Considering these findings, this meta-analysis indicates that supplementation with cornelian cherry may impact diverse cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals considered to be at a high risk.