Effects of artichoke on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: Clinical trials considering the effects of artichoke supplementation on blood pressure have yielded different and contradictory outcomes. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess effects of artichoke administration on blood pressure. Methods: Related studies were detected by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases up to 15 March 2020. Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were evaluated using standard methods. Results: Pooled analysis of eight randomized controlled trials revealed that artichoke supplementation did not have an effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP), (WMD: -0.77 mmHg, 95 CI: -2.76 to 1.22) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -0.11 mmHg, 95 CI: -1.72 to 1.50) when compared to the placebo group. However, subgroup analyses based on health status suggested that artichoke administration among hypertensive patients may significantly reduce SBP (WMD: -3.19 mmHg, 95 CI: -3.32 to -3.06) and DBP (WMD: -2.33 mmHg, 95 CI: -2.23 to -2.43), but no such reduction was found in NAFLD patients. Furthermore, our results indicated that artichoke supplementation for 12 weeks led to a significantly decreased DBP (WMD: -2.33 mmHg, 95 CI: -2.43 to -2.23), but 8 weeks of intervention did not (WMD: 0.80 mmHg, 95 CI: -1.06 to 2.66). Conclusion: Artichoke supplementation may potentially lead to SBP and DBP reduction in hypertensive patients. In addition, artichoke supplementation for 12 weeks may significantly improve DBP.