Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities of Pistacia atlantica: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

To determine the pharmaceutical applications, we assessed the evidence from preclinical studies about the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant potential of Pistacia atlantica (PA) as a natural source for prevention and treatment of diabetes. A comprehensive literature search of the articles published until March 12, 2022 was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases, using relevant keywords. This meta-analysis included 12 articles that examined the blood glucose (BG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Findings indicated that PA supplementation significantly decreased BG, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, and MDA, and increased insulin and SOD in diabetic animals compared with control group (p < .05). However, PA supplementation had no significant effects on HDL-C (p > .05). The subgroup analysis also confirmed the beneficial effect of PA supplementation with longer duration (>4 weeks) and higher doses (& GE;100 mg/kg/day) as well as in the extract type. The studies have heterogeneity associated with methodological diversity and there were some concerns about the risk of bias, especially about randomization and blind outcome assessment. This meta-analysis provided convincing evidence for antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activity of PA in animals. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.

Automated summary

This meta-analysis examined the pharmaceutical applications of Pistacia atlantica (PA) in diabetes prevention and treatment by assessing preclinical studies. The findings indicated that PA supplementation significantly decreased blood glucose, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and malondialdehyde levels, while increasing insulin and superoxide dismutase levels in diabetic animals. However, HDL-cholesterol levels were not significantly affected. Subgroup analysis supported the beneficial effects of longer duration and higher doses of PA supplementation, as well as the use of extracts. Methodological diversity and concerns about bias were noted in the studies. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of PA.