Polyphenols for the Prevention or Management of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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#humans #female #pre-eclampsia #pregnancy #polyphenols

Polyphenols for the Prevention or Management of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nguyen et al., 2025 | BJOG | Meta Analysis

Citation

Nguyen Phi-Yen, Sanderson Ben, ... McDougall Annie R A. Polyphenols for the Prevention or Management of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BJOG. 2025-Jun;132(7):867-879. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.18106

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of polyphenol-containing products during pregnancy on preeclampsia-related maternal and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Nine databases and one trial registry, from inception to August 11th, 2023. POPULATION/SAMPLE: Randomised controlled trials where women received polyphenolic-containing products (as standardised extracts or dietary supplements) compared to placebo or standard care. METHODS: All review stages were conducted by two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method using a framework for studies with few events. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes combining the core outcome set for preeclampsia and WHO's priority outcomes. RESULTS: Fourteen trials investigating six candidates were included. In women with preeclampsia, the addition of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to nifedipine may reduce the time needed to achieve blood pressure control (mean difference (MD) = -14.10 min, 95% CI -18.46 to -9.74) and increase the time to the next hypertensive crisis (MD = 3.10 h, 95% CI 2.35 to 3.85) compared to nifedipine alone (1 trial, 349 women; low certainty). Similarly, the addition of resveratrol to nifedipine may reduce the time needed to achieve blood pressure control (MD = -15.50 min, 95% CI -19.83 to -11.17) and increase the time to the next hypertensive crisis (MD = 2.50 h, 95% CI 2.09 to 2.91) (1 trial, 349 women; low certainty). No differences were observed for other outcomes or candidates (Salvia miltiorrhiza, Bryophyllum pinnatum , raspberry and cranberry extracts). CONCLUSIONS: ECGC and resveratrol supplements have been investigated for potential effects in managing clinical signs and symptoms of preeclampsia; however, evidence on the clinical and adverse effects of polyphenols is limited and uncertain.

Key Findings

Fourteen trials investigating six candidates were included. In women with preeclampsia, the addition of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to nifedipine may reduce the time needed to achieve blood pressure control (mean difference (MD) = -14.10 min, 95% CI -18.46 to -9.74) and increase the time to the next hypertensive crisis (MD = 3.10 h, 95% CI 2.35 to 3.85) compared to nifedipine alone (1 trial, 349 women; low certainty). Similarly, the addition of resveratrol to nifedipine may reduce the time n

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Female
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Pregnancy
  • Polyphenols
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Catechin
  • Nifedipine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: resveratrol

Provenance

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