L. barbarum (Lycium barbarum L.) supplementation for lipid profiles in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a global health concern with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) is widely used as a medicinal and functional food, and evidence suggests that it may be beneficial for lipid management. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of L. barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults. METHODS: PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception until October 2022. The random-effect model was applied, and the pooled effect sizes were expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials involving 259 subjects indicated that L. barbarum supplementation significantly decreased the triglyceride (TG) concentration (MD: 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.08–0.20) and increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) (MD: −0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.13 to −0.01). However, the reductions in total cholesterol (TC) concentration (MD: 0.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.37 to 0.59) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration (MD: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.46 to 0.89) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that L. barbarum supplementation might have some beneficial effects on TG and HDL-C concentrations in adults, and L. barbarum fruit has an even greater effect on TG and HDL-C concentrations. Considering the sensitivity analyses and limitations of the study included, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.