Effect of Genistein Intake on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Genistein, an isoflavone in soybean products has potential cardio-protective effects and is used also as an alternative for estrogen therapy in postmeno-pausal women. However, results in this regard are inconsistent and also, not all risk factors related to car-diovascular supportive effects have been meta -ana-lyzed. We searched PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception up to October 2020. Random-effects meta-analysis was used for data synthesis. The search included studies with information on genistein supplementation and lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein HDL-C)], systolic and diastolic blood pres-sure (SBP & DBP), body mass index [BMI] and body weight. Pooled results of studies showed that genistein intake significantly reduced TC [95%CI:-0.49(-0.80,-0.18); P=0.002)], LDL-C [95%CI:-0.60(-1.10,-0.10); P=0.018)] and SBP [95%CI:-0.52(-0.90,-0.14); P=0.007)]. DBP, HLD-C, TG, BMI, and body weight showed no meaningful improvement. Subgroup analysis showed that LDL-C and SBP were reduced more effectively in postmenopausal women with meta-bolic syndrome. Genistein intake more than 6 months showed a greater effect on lowering cholesterol-0.76 (-1.27,-0.24), SBP [-0.39(-0.70,-0.08)] and DBP-0.40 (-0.81,-0.00) and increasing TG and LDL-C. This meta-analysis provides consistent evidence that genis-tein intake reduces the CVD risk factors of TC, LDL-C, and SBP significantly.

Automated summary

Genistein intake significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL-C, and SBP, but has no significant effect on DBP, HDL-C, TG, BMI, and body weight. Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome have a better response in reducing LDL-C and SBP. Genistein intake for more than 6 months has a greater effect on lowering cholesterol, SBP, and DBP, and increasing TG and LDL-C.