Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the essential role of cardiometabolic risk factors in the global burden of chronic diseases, this study aimed to assess the potential of cornelian cherry(Cornus mas L.) in improving anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, glycemic indices, liver enzyme levels, and dietary intake of energy and macronutrients. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for eligible randomized controlled trials(RCTs) published up to May 2025, with no restrictions on language or publication date. The weighted mean difference(WMD) and 95% confidence interval(95%CI) for each outcome were determined using a random-effects model. The certainty of the assessments was further examined using the GRADE assessment. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were included in the final analysis. Pooled effect size showed that Cornus mas L(CM) intake significantly reduced body weight (MD:-0.57 Kg,95%CI:-1.03,-0.12;P = 0.013), body mass index(MD:-0.38 kg/m(2),95%CI:-0.52,-0.23;P = 0.001), fat mass (MD:-0.97%,95%CI:-1.53,-0.41;P = 0.001), waist circumference (MD:-1.36 cm,95%CI:-1.80,-0.92;P = 0.001), and hip circumference(MD:-0.95 cm,95%CI:-1.55,-0.36;P = 0.002), triglycerides(MD:-30.6 mg/dl,95%CI:-61.0,-0.14;P = 0.049), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (MD:-5.72 mg/dl,95%CI:-11.25,-0.20;P = 0.042), and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)(MD:-0.28,95%CI:-0.35,-0.20;P = 0.001). Additionally, CM increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels(MD:2.03 mg/dl,95%CI:0.82,3.25;P = 0.001). However, we observed no significant effects of CM intake on total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our meta-analysis indicate that consuming CM can positively affect CMR factors. These benefits include improved anthropometric parameters, including body weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference, a reduction in glycemic parameters such as FBS and HbA1c, and an improvement in lipid profile. However, the study did not reveal any significant impact of CM consumption on insulin, total cholesterol, and liver enzyme levels. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-025-00991-4.