Effects of berberine and barberry on anthropometric measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: Despite controversies, no study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of berberine and barberry on anthropometric measures. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on the effect of berberine and barberry on body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in adults. Methods: Relevant studies, published up to August 2019, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. All randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of berberine and barberry on the anthropometric measures including BMI, BW, WC or/and WHR were included. Results: Out of 252 citations, 12 trials that enrolled 849 subjects were included. Berberine and barberry resulted in no significant change in BMI (Weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.16 kg/m(2); 95 % CI: -0.43 to 0.11, P = 0.247), BW (WMD: -0.11 kg; 95 % CI: -0.13 to 0.91, P = 0.830), and berberine resulted in not significant in WC (WMD:-0.58 cm; 95 % CI:-1.89 to 0.72, P= 0.379) and significant reduction in WHR (WMD: -0.03; 95 % CI: -0.04 to -0.01, P< 0.0001). Conclusion: We found a significant reduction in WHR following berberine consumption in adults. Further clinical trials with high quality according to challenges mentioned seem to be helpful to use berberine and barberry as a supplement for certain health conditions, efficiently.