The effects of supplementation with Cynara scolymus L. on anthropometric indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background: Studies on the efficacy of artichoke administration on anthropometric indices gave different outcomes. Hence, a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis were accomplished to understand the effects of artichoke administration on anthropometric indices. Methods: Related clinical trials were found by searching in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Scopus databases up to 29 February 2020. Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) were analyzed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were assessed for anthropometric indices. Results: Pooled analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that the artichoke administration has effect on waist circumference (WMD: -1.11 cm, 95 % CI: -2.08 to - 0.14), as opposed to the other anthropometric indices including weight (WMD: -0.62 kg, 95 % CI: -1.86 to 0.61) or BMI (WMD: -0.12, 95 % CI: -0.43 to 0.20). However, the analysis of the subgroups according to the health status showed that artichoke supplementation in hypertensive patients significantly reduced weight (WMD: -2.34 kg, 95 % CI: -3.11 to -1.57) but not the other indicators (WMD: -0.06 kg, 95 % CI: 0.78 to 0.67). Conclusions: The artichoke supplementation has effect on the waist circumference, but not on the other anthropometric indices. For establishment of more accurate conclusion more studies with longer administration duration are need to be done.