Clinical Efficacy of Pistacia atlantica in Glycemic Regulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health problem associated with inadequate glycemic control and serious complications. Although pharmacological therapies are available, many patients experience side effects or fail to achieve optimal blood glucose targets. Pistacia atlantica, traditionally used for metabolic disorders, has demonstrated antihyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, but its clinical benefits in human diabetes remain uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of Pistacia atlantica supplementation on glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Seven randomized controlled trials from Iran and Iraq, involving intervention durations of 4–12 weeks, were included. Pooled analysis using a random-effects model showed significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (weighted mean difference [WMD] = − 18.04 mg/dL; 95% CI: −29.9 to − 6.18; p = 0.003) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (WMD = − 0.6%; 95% CI: −1.1 to − 0.10; p = 0.01). Greater improvements were observed in studies lasting at least 8 weeks, with FBS decreasing by − 28.2 mg/dL (p = 0.001) and HbA1c by − 0.7% (p = 0.02). No serious adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that Pistacia atlantica may serve as a safe and effective adjunct to conventional therapy for improving glycemic control in T2DM, particularly when administered for eight weeks or longer. Further well-designed trials with standardized formulations are needed to validate these results.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204997372