Optimal dose window, formulation efficacy, and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in MASLD animal models: A systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.
Zhang C, Fu G, Zhang Y, Xing J, Gao H, Zhang X • J Ethnopharmacol (2027)
Impact of lamiaceae plants on anthropometric indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Hassanpour H et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2027)
Lamiaceae supplementation is associated with modest reductions in size-based and central adiposity indices (BMI, WC, WHR) in adults with metabolic syndrome; exploratory subgroup analyses suggested potential signals for Salvia and Zataria, though based on limited trials.
Using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, 50% of studies had unclear allocation concealment, and 10% had high performance bias risk.
Random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant reductions in size-based indices (BMI, weight) and proxies of central adiposity (WC, WHR), while changes in direct body composition (BFM) were not significant.
Lamiaceae supplementation is associated with modest reductions in size-based and central adiposity indices (BMI, WC, WHR) in adults with metabolic syndrome; exploratory subgroup analyses suggested potential signals for Salvia and Zataria, though based on limited trials.
Evaluation and clinical translation of nanoprobiotic delivery systems
Liu L et al. • Biomaterials (2027)
Overall, this review aims to provide a structured framework for the standardized evaluation of nanoprobiotic delivery systems and to accelerate their translation from laboratory research to practical clinical and nutritional applications.
We further highlight major translational challenges, including biosafety, large-scale manufacturing, regulatory uncertainty, and long-term stability.
Overall, this review aims to provide a structured framework for the standardized evaluation of nanoprobiotic delivery systems and to accelerate their translation from laboratory research to practical clinical and nutritional applications.
Pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in hypertension combined with insomnia
Zhang Z et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2027)
TCM exhibits remarkable therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of HTN-Ins through multi-target, multi-pathway, multi-level, and individualized strategies, thereby demonstrating substantial therapeutic potential.
TCM exhibits remarkable therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of HTN-Ins through multi-target, multi-pathway, multi-level, and individualized strategies, thereby demonstrating substantial therapeutic potential.
However, limitations remain.
In the future, in-depth exploration of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying individual TCM monomers and large-sample, multi-center randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of TCM compound prescriptions will be the primary research directions in this field.
Harnessing natural herbaceous plants against ferroptosis: Implications for managing polycystic ovary syndrome
Chang J et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2027)
Traditional Chinese compound formulations hold significant promise for developing drugs targeting PCOS.
Traditional Chinese compound formulations hold significant promise for developing drugs targeting PCOS.
Notably, certain prescriptions and herbal extracts that focus on regulating ferroptosis as a key mechanism are attracting increasing attention and research within the academic community.
The Effects of Seaweed and Microalgae Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Wei Y et al. • Nutrients (2026)
High-quality, multi-center RCTs incorporating mechanistic endpoints are needed to clarify optimal application and to develop athlete-specific recommendations.
Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.
Regarding recovery, CK concentrations were significantly reduced (SMD = -0.78, 95% CI: -1.28 to -0.28).
Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the main findings with minimal evidence of publication bias.
Comparative Effectiveness of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Frivaldszky L et al. • Nutrients (2026)
Conclusions: This study indicates that both pharmacological (vitamin B6, metoclopramide, dimenhydrinate) and non-pharmacological (ginger, quince, acupressure, acupuncture) interventions might be effective in reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Background: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy affects up to 80% of pregnant women and may progress to hyperemesis gravidarum, leading to maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Risk of bias was low to moderate.
Discussion: Most interventions demonstrated significant benefit over a placebo.
Lyons S, Kearney M, Fahey MC, Janjal P, Pandolfo M, Patton P. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2026)
In this updated Cochrane systematic review, meta-analysis of results on the ataxia rating scale showed that pharmacological treatments probably make little or no difference compared with placebo after 12 months of treatment.
Cardiac abnormalities cause premature death in 60% of people with FRDA.
We calculated the mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes, and the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, all with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
All of the studies enroled both males and females, with the proportion of female participants ranging from 21% to 58%.
Metformin in High Metabolic Risk Pregnancies - A Patient-Level Meta-Analysis
Mousa A, Løvvik TS, Carlsen SM, Belsti Y, Enticott J, Tay CT, Nikkinen H, Morin-Papunen L, Tertti K, Rönnemaa T, Rowan J, Dodd J, Deussen A, Hague WM, Zawiejska A, Arshad R, Mathews JE, Wasim T, Mohamed MA, Mohebbi M, Yefet E, Nachum Z, Ainuddin J, Refuerzo JS, Burden C, Norman JE, Syngelaki A, Nicolaides K, Shehata H, Vanky E, Teede HJ. • NEJM evidence (2026)
In this IPD meta-analysis, metformin was not associated with a reduction in GDM, but was associated with an increase in gestational age at delivery.
Results Ten trials (N=2695) met inclusion criteria and seven provided IPD (n=2485; 92.2% of available IPD).
Metformin was associated with marginally lower fasting blood glucose level (mean difference [MD], -0.06 mmol/l; 95% CI, -0.10 to -0.01), with no apparent difference in 2-hour postload blood glucose level.
Metformin was also associated with longer gestation (MD, 0.30 weeks' gestation; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.54), lower odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.89), and larger neonatal head circumference (MD, 2.43 percentile; 95% CI, 0.13 to 4.72).
Circulating Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Thakur D et al. • Nutrients (2026)
CKD is associated with a profound systemic reduction in acetate and propionate, supporting the model of a compromised gut-kidney axis based on converging evidence.
Quantitative synthesis revealed a significant and consistent systemic depletion of circulating acetate and propionate in adult CKD patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05).
CKD is associated with a profound systemic reduction in acetate and propionate, supporting the model of a compromised gut-kidney axis based on converging evidence.
The divergent results for butyrate in paediatric versus adult populations suggest that SCFA metabolism is influenced by age-related factors or compensatory mechanisms.
Nutritional Supplementation Combined with Exercise for Musculoskeletal Health in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating Proteins, Amino Acids, and Creatine across Reproductive Stages
Chen KH et al. • International journal of medical sciences (2026)
Current evidence does not support robust additive effects of nutritional supplementation on muscle mass or bone health when combined with exercise in women across reproductive stages.
The combined intervention showed no significant effects on muscle mass measures: skeletal muscle mass (g=0.065, 95% CI: -0.353 to 0.482, p=0.762), appendicular lean mass (g=0.197, 95% CI: -0.177 to 0.571, p=0.302), or fat-free mass (g=0.069, 95% CI: -0.110 to 0.249, p=0.447).
Significant improvements occurred in bench press (g=0.279, 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.550, p=0.043) and handgrip strength (g=0.412, 95% CI: 0.039 to 0.786, p=0.031).
No significant effects emerged for bone mineral content (g=0.195, 95% CI: -0.281 to 0.671, p=0.421) or bone mineral density (g=0.087, 95% CI: -0.129 to 0.303, p=0.430).
Complex Effects of B-Vitamin Combinations on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials over Three Decades
Ren R et al. • Nutrients (2026)
Overall, B-vitamin combinations do not confer consistent benefit for major cardiovascular outcomes but may reduce stroke and MACE in selected primary prevention populations, suggesting that baseline cardiovascular risk and regional folic acid fortification modify treatment effects and should guide future trial design and clinical use.
Random-effects models were used in this meta-analysis to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
B-vitamin combinations were associated with a nonsignificant reduction in stroke and 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (stroke: RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81-1.04; MACE: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86-1.01).
No significant effects were observed for all-cause mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96-1.06), cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.07), or MI (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91-1.03).
Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Baskarane H et al. • JAMA dermatology (2026)
In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, diclofenac and silymarin were the most effective preventive strategies for HFS, with silymarin requiring confirmation in a larger randomized trial.
Association Between Levels of Magnesium and Diabetic Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Kubbara EA et al. • Nutrients (2026)
This systematic review and meta-analysis conclude that magnesium levels are significantly lower in patients with diabetic retinopathy than in diabetic controls without retinopathy.
The random-effects model indicated significantly lower magnesium levels in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to diabetic controls [SMD = -1.19, 95% CI (-1.68; -0.70); p < 0.0001; I2 = 95%].
Meta-regression analysis revealed that year of publication (coefficient = 0.061; p = 0.009) and non-Asian studies (coefficient = 2.376; p = 0.001) were positively associated with the pooled effect size, while the NOS quality score was inversely associated (coefficient = -0.709; p = 0.035).
The magnesium levels were significantly lower in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy compared with those with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy using a fixed effect model [SMD = -1.41, (95% CI: -1.83; -1.00); p < 0.01; I2 = 32%; Cochran's Q statistic (Q = 1.46, p < 0.23)].
Creatine monohydrate for lean mass, strength, and bone density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Naddafha S et al. • Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2026)
In postmenopausal women, creatine, particularly ≥ 5 g·day⁻¹ with RT, yields small but meaningful gains in lean mass and strength without evidence of harm.
Lean mass (k = 5; n = 338) favored creatine: mean difference (MD) + 0.37 kg (95% CI + 0.05 to + 0.69; I² = 25%; τ² = 0.01; 95% PI -0.10 to + 0.84).
Leg-press 1RM (k = 3; n = 111) improved with creatine: MD + 7.5 kg (95% CI + 2.2 to + 12.8; I² = 0%).
In postmenopausal women, creatine, particularly ≥ 5 g·day⁻¹ with RT, yields small but meaningful gains in lean mass and strength without evidence of harm.
Does Nutrition Intervention Prevent and Heal Pressure Injury? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Yildirim D et al. • Advances in skin & wound care (2026)
Across 18 studies including 1231 participants (aged 38 to 83 y) with stage 2 to 4 PIs, nutritional interventions demonstrated positive effects on prevention and healing.
Across 18 studies including 1231 participants (aged 38 to 83 y) with stage 2 to 4 PIs, nutritional interventions demonstrated positive effects on prevention and healing.
Formulas enriched with protein, arginine, zinc, antioxidants, and other nutrients appear promising; nonetheless, further large-scale, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
Efficacy and mechanisms of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction for gastroesophageal reflux disease: A study integrating meta-analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
Tian M et al. • Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2026)
XSLJZD may improve RE symptoms as an adjunctive therapy, but the evidence is low in certainty.
Eight RCTs (n = 646) showed that XSLJZD significantly improved clinical outcomes compared with controls, demonstrating superior overall efficacy and reduced recurrence.
XSLJZD may improve RE symptoms as an adjunctive therapy, but the evidence is low in certainty.
The proposed anti-inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms are computationally derived.
Efficacy and safety of boron neutron capture therapy for locally recurrent head and neck cancer
Sun X et al. • Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2026)
BNCT has shown favorable efficacy and safety in LRHNC.
The ORR was 70 % (95 % CI: 65 %-75 %; P = 0.8187) and the 2-year OS rate was 45 % (95 % CI: 39 %-50 %; P < 0.0001).
The ORR of patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) was higher than those with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (82 % vs. 72 %), while the 2-year OS rates were similar (50 % vs. 49 %).
The most frequent acute AEs included hyperamylasemia (75 %, 95 % CI: 70 %-80 %), alopecia (61 %, 95 % CI: 55 %-67 %), and submandibular gland inflammation (61 %, 95 % CI: 49 %-72 %).
Wu X et al. • Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2026)
The relationship between caffeine intake and IBD risk varies by region, age, caffeine source, smoking, and education level.
The meta-analysis showed no significant association between caffeine intake and IBD (RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.68-1.04).
In Americans, caffeine increased UC risk by 68% (RR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.17-2.42).
Age analysis showed caffeine increased IBD risk by 4.52 times in those ≤18 (RR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.59-12.88) but decreased risk by 7% in those >18 (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.73-1.18).
Drug delivery and formulation development of hesperidin: a systematic review
Hoang TPN et al. • Expert opinion on drug delivery (2026)
Formulation advances can significantly mitigate hesperidin's biopharmaceutical liabilities, with lipid-based systems, polymeric nanoparticles, and phytosomes emerging as leading strategies.
Formulation advances can significantly mitigate hesperidin's biopharmaceutical liabilities, with lipid-based systems, polymeric nanoparticles, and phytosomes emerging as leading strategies.
Translation will benefit from stability and immunotoxicity packages, quality-by-design manufacturing, and well-designed, adequately powered clinical trials using harmonised pharmacokinetic and clinical endpoints.