The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

There is an increased interest in the potential health benefits of nutraceutical therapies, such as Anethum graveolens (dill). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Anethum graveolens supplementation on lipid profiles and glycemic indices in adults. A systematic search was performed for literature published through November 2020 via PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Embase to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of oral supplementation with A. graveolens on lipid profile and measures of glycemic control in adults. The random-effects model was applied to establish the weighted mean difference (WMD) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven RCTs with a total number of 330 subjects were included in the final analysis. Pooled results indicated that A. graveolens supplementation significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentration (WMD: -15.64 mg/dL; 95% CI: -24.55 to -6.73; P = 0.001), serum insulin (WMD: -2.28 μU/ml; 95% CI: -3.62 to -0.93; P = 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: -1.06; 95% CI: -1.91 to -0.20; P = 0.01). However, there was no significant effect on serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBS). Subgroup analysis suggested that using A. graveolens in higher doses and long-term duration had beneficial effects on lipid profiles. Dose-response analysis also showed a significant reduction in FBS at doses of 1500 mg/d. The present meta-analysis indicated that Anethum graveolens could exert favorable effects on insulin resistance and serum LDL. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.

Keywords: Anethum graveolens; herbal medicine; hyperlipidemia; insulin resistance; lipid profile; meta-analysis.