The effects of berberine on inflammatory markers in Chinese patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#berberine #biomarkers #c-reactive-protein #china #cytokines

The effects of berberine on inflammatory markers in Chinese patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

Lu et al., 2022 | Inflammopharmacology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Lu Yuqiong, Zhang Xiwen, ... Chang Feng. The effects of berberine on inflammatory markers in Chinese patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. Inflammopharmacology. 2022-Jun;30(3):1063-1077. doi:10.1007/s10787-022-00976-2

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to systematically evaluate the effects of berberine on the inflammatory markers of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. METHOD: Databases that were searched from inception to October 2020 included PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two reviewers independently selected articles and extracted data. The pooled evaluations were entered and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Of the 7387 publications screened, 52 studies were included, and the related trials involved 4616 patients. Pooled estimates showed that the use of berberine could significantly reduce the concentration level of C-reactive protein (CRP) [standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 1.54, 95% confidence intervals (CI) - 1.86, - 1.22, p < 0.05], tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) [SMD = - 1.02, 95% CI - 1.27, - 0.77, p < 0.05], and interleukin 6 (IL-6) [SMD = - 1.17, 95% CI - 1.53, - 0.81, p < 0.05] among patients with MetS and related disorders. However, it did not affect the level of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) [SMD = - 0.81, 95% CI - 1.80, 0.17, p = 0.11]. CONCLUSION: Overall, the use of berberine in patients with MetS and related disorders appeared to significantly decrease several inflammatory markers. Further multi-center and rigorous investigations with larger patient populations are encouraged to confirm the effect of berberine on MetS and related disorders.

Key Findings

Of the 7387 publications screened, 52 studies were included, and the related trials involved 4616 patients. Pooled estimates showed that the use of berberine could significantly reduce the concentration level of C-reactive protein (CRP) [standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 1.54, 95% confidence intervals (CI) - 1.86, - 1.22, p < 0.05], tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) [SMD = - 1.02, 95% CI - 1.27, - 0.77, p < 0.05], and interleukin 6 (IL-6) [SMD = - 1.17, 95% CI - 1.53, - 0.81, p < 0.05] among

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population mets and related disorders
Sample Size 4616
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Berberine
  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • China
  • Cytokines
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: berberine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09