The effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation on blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Felipe Mendes Delpino, Francine Silva dos Santos, Thaynã Ramos Flores, Henrique S. Cerqueira, Heitor O. Santos

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Blueberries and cranberries are berry fruits with the highest number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) focusing on blood pressure (BP). This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs analyzed the effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation alone and in concert with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. The searches were performed until August 2023 in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase. Studies that examined the effects of blueberry or cranberry intake/supplementation were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Rob 2 scale. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation on BP levels in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. A total of 17 articles were included, from which two found significant results from blueberry and/or cranberry supplementation in reducing BP. Pooled results revealed statistically non-significant reductions of −0.81 mm Hg for SBP (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.26, 0.63; I2 = 0%) and −0.15 mm Hg for DBP (95% CI: −1.36, 1.05; I2 = 27%). Blueberry and/or cranberry supplementation had neutral effects on SBP and DBP in patients with cardiometabolic diseases, regardless of duration or age. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish clinical efficacy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)646-661
Number of pages16
JournalPhytotherapy Research
Volume38
Issue number2
Early online dateNov 14 2023
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • blood pressure
  • blueberry
  • cardiovascular disease
  • cranberry
  • hypertension

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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