Efficacy and Safety of Syzygium cumini and Related Myrtaceae Interventions for Dysglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Background: Syzygium cumini and other Myrtaceae plants are widely used as traditional remedies for dysglycemia, yet clinical evidence remains fragmented and heterogeneous. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S. cumini and related Myrtaceae interventions in individuals with dysglycemia. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261332539). PubMed, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 3 September 2025. Eligible trials enrolled participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or prediabetes and evaluated Myrtaceae interventions versus controls. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirteen trials comprising 802 participants were included. Myrtaceae interventions were associated with a statistically significant but modest reduction in fasting plasma glucose (MD -14.40 mg/dL, 95% CI -23.12 to -5.67; I2 = 98.57%). However, effects on postprandial glucose (MD -12.99 mg/dL, 95% CI -27.74 to 1.76; I2 = 97.93%) and HbA1c (MD -0.46%, 95% CI -0.98 to 0.06; I2 = 99.20%) were not statistically significant. Overall effects on lipid outcomes and laboratory safety markers were also not significant. Subgroup analyses suggested possible variation by participant type, plant part, formulation composition, comparator type, and treatment…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 802 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Metformin as an adjuvant in breast cancer treatment
- Metformin Lysosomal Targeting: A Novel Aspect to Be Investigated for Metformin Repurposing in Neurodegenerative Diseases?
- Aberrant HSF1 signaling activation underlies metformin amelioration of myocardial infarction in mice
- Metformin induces ZFP36 by mTORC1 inhibition in cervical cancer-derived cell lines
- Protein Interaction Network for Identifying Vascular Response of Metformin (Oral Antidiabetic)
- Preventing Long COVID With Metformin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.