Efficacy and safety of berberine on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
PubMed 40740996 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1572197
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of berberine on components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The authors assessed study characteristics, risk of bias, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and publication bias.
What was found
Compared to placebo, berberine significantly reduced triglycerides (WMD: -0.367 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.560 to -0.175; p < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (WMD: -0.515 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.847 to -0.183; p = 0.002), and waist circumference (WMD: -3.270 cm; 95% CI: -4.818 to -1.722; p < 0.001). No significant effects were observed for HDL-C, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure. For secondary outcomes, berberine reduced LDL-C (WMD: -0.495 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.714 to -0.276; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD: -0.451 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.631 to -0.271; p < 0.001), BMI (WMD: -0.435 kg/m²; 95% CI: -0.856 to -0.013; p = 0.043), and 2-hour post-load glucose (WMD: -1.606 mmol/L; 95% CI: -1.891 to -1.321; p < 0.001). Short-term treatment (≤90 days) showed greater effects on HDL-C and LDL-C than longer treatment. Safety profiles showed no significant difference compared to placebo.
Why it matters
This review supports berberine as an effective supplement for improving glycemic markers, central adiposity, and lipid profiles in metabolic syndrome without increasing adverse events relative to placebo.
Limits
The abstract omits the number of included studies, total participant sample size, specific dosages used, and population demographics. Berberine demonstrated no significant benefit on blood pressure or HDL-C.
Cited by
- context Studies indicate that long-term use of berberine is not advised.