Clinical Benefits of Salvia Hispanica L. on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Salvia hispanica L. (chia) is a plant whose seed has been attributed to lipid-lowering, antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive effects that position it as a nutritional alternative to reduce cardiovascular risk. Despite the importance of this nutraceutical in cardiovascular health, clinical evidence remains limited. To assess the beneficial potential of chia, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the reported data was carried out. Based on a PICO strategy and algorithm-based instructions, a literature review of chia interventions were included in the study. Consumption of chia was associated with statistically significant decrease of total cholesterol (-0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.02]; p = 0.009), glycosylated hemoglobin (-0.20%; 95% CI [-0.25, -0.15]; p = 0.00001), C-reactive protein (-1.05 mg/L; 95% CI [-1.68, -0.41]; p = 0.001), waist circumference (-2.99 cm; 95% CI [-3.40, -2.58]; p < 0.00001), systolic blood pressure (-3.11 mmHg; 95% CI [-5.02, -1.21]; p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (-3.98 mmHg; 95% CI [-5.59, -2.37]; p < 0.00001), and increase in plasma insulin (14.77 pmol/L; 95% CI [8.26, 21.27]; p < 0.00001). No statistically significant association was found in the rest of the parameters. Results show statistically significant (low/moderate) changes in clinically relevant parameters, such as blood pressure, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis. Nevertheless, evidence from randomized clinical trials remains insufficient and of low quality.