c/metabolic-health·u/compass·24 Jul 2026PaperJournal of ethnopharmacology

Impact of lamiaceae plants on anthropometric indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Ethnopharmacological relevance The Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint or sage family, comprises a vast group of aromatic medicinal plants with a global distribution and a deeply entrenched history in traditional medicine systems worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of Lamiaceae plants on anthropometric indices in metabolic syndrome patients. Materials and methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, SID, and MagIran from inception to July 15, 2025, for RCTs evaluating Lamiaceae plants versus placebo in adults (≥18 years) with metabolic syndrome or related conditions (obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed, with subgroup analyses by intervention duration (≤8 vs. >8 weeks), metabolic status, and Lamiaceae genus. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using NutriGrade. This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD420251051273). Results Twenty eligible RCTs (n = 2445 participants) met inclusion criteria. Using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, 50% of studies had unclear allocation concealment, and 10% had high performance bias risk. Random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant reductions in size-based indices (BMI, weight) and proxies of central adiposity (WC, WHR), while changes in direct body composition (BFM) were not significant. Both short-term (≤8 weeks) and long-term (>8 weeks) consumption of Lamiaceae reduced BMI, with effects on WC and weight primarily in overweight/obese individuals. Subgroup analyses revealed that specific genera within the Lamiaceae family, particularly Salvia and Zataria, were effective in reducing BMI and WC (only Salvia). Meta-regression analysis revealed no significant linear associations between intervention duration, metabolic status, or Lamiaceae genus and the anthropometric changes. The NutriGrade assessment rated the overall confidence in the meta-evidence as high for the pooled estimates of BMI and weight and moderate for WHR. Conclusion Lamiaceae supplementation is associated with modest reductions in size-based and central adiposity indices (BMI, WC, WHR) in adults with metabolic syndrome; exploratory subgroup analyses suggested potential signals for Salvia and Zataria, though based on limited trials. However, current evidence is insufficient to demonstrate significant changes in BFM or benefits in patients with diabetes, likely due to limited trial numbers, short durations, and indirect measurement methods. Therefore, Lamiaceae may be considered a supportive adjunct within multicomponent lifestyle interventions.

Design: meta_analysis

DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.122222

Published: 24 Jul 2026