Context: Metabolic syndrome, characterized by dyslipidemia, central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and poses a global health challenge. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol with antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties, shows potential as a therapeutic candidate for modulating metabolic markers.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of EA on lipid profiles, fat weight, and anthropometric parameters in animals and humans with abnormal metabolic markers or pre-obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Data sources: Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to October 22, 2024.
Data extraction: Data were extracted from 78 studies. A random-effects model calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) with the 95% CI.
Data analysis: EA significantly reduced triglyceride levels in animals (SMD = -2.93; 95% CI, -3.78 to -2.07; P < .0001) and humans (SMD = -0.58; 95% CI, -0.87 to -0.29; P = .0001) and increased high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels in animals (SMD = 1.24; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.90; P = .0002) and humans (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.37 to 1.07; P < .0001). Ellagic acid also reduced fat weight in epididymal (SMD = -1.40; 95% CI, -1.81 to -0.99; P < .0001), mesenteric (SMD = -1.21; 95% CI, -1.81 to -0.62; P < .0001), and retroperitoneal (SMD = -1.47; 95% CI, -1.94 to -0.99; P < .0001) regions in animals and waist circumference (SMD = -0.55; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.44; P = .0336) in humans.
Conclusion: Ellagic acid improves lipid profiles, reduces fat weight, and optimizes anthropometric parameters in animals and humans with metabolic marker abnormalities or pre-obesity, highlighting its therapeutic potential for managing metabolic syndrome and associated health conditions. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO no. CRD42024584248.
Keywords: anthropometric parameters; ellagic acid; fat weight; lipid profiles; meta-analysis; metabolic syndrome.
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