Efficacy and mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum as a medicine food homology herb in glycemic control: a meta-analysis with review
Abstract
Introduction: Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a traditional "medicine food homology" plant widely consumed in Asia to promote health. Its safety profile makes it a promising diabetes candidate. This study systematically evaluates its efficacy in glycemic control and elucidates its mechanisms of action.
Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of clinical studies from PubMed, CNKI, and Embase. Random-effects models calculated pooled mean differences (MD) for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial glucose (2hPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). A systematic review also summarized its antidiabetic mechanisms.
Results: Eight studies involving 584 patients were included. Gynostemma pentaphyllum significantly reduced FPG (MD = -0.79 mmol/L, 95% CI = -1.08 to -0.51), HbA1c (MD = -1.01%, 95% CI = -1.41 to -0.61), and 2hPG (MD = -0.90 mmol/L, 95% CI = -1.95 to -0.15). Long-term and monotherapy treatments showed superior efficacy. The mechanistic review revealed hypoglycemic effects via multiple pathways, including enhanced glucose uptake, reduced glucose production, increased insulin secretion, and improved insulin resistance.
Discussion: Combined clinical and mechanistic findings demonstrate that Gynostemma pentaphyllum provides effective glycemic control through multi-target pharmacological mechanisms, solidifying its potential as a comprehensive therapeutic approach for diabetes management.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. 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: 584 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.