Plantago consumption significantly reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 38688104 · doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2024.03.013
What was done
This systematic review and meta-analysis searched 5 electronic databases through August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of Plantago consumption on adult blood lipids. Analyses used a random-effects model to determine weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals across 29 RCTs comprising 2,769 participants.
What was found
Compared with controls, Plantago consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) by 0.28 mmol/L and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 0.35 mmol/L. No substantial effects were observed on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides. In subgroup analyses, TC reductions were significant in males, healthy individuals, and participants with lipid disorders; TC and LDL-C reductions were significant for Plantago husk or psyllium. Exact confidence intervals and p-values were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This review quantifies the lipid-lowering efficacy of Plantago soluble fiber, demonstrating modest reductions in atherogenic lipoproteins across adult populations.
Limits
The abstract does not provide exact confidence intervals, p-values, trial durations, dosage ranges, or adverse effect data. Heterogeneity across the included trials was not detailed.
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