The effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases: a review of human clinical trials

Abstract

Herbs and spices are recommended to increase flavor and displace salt in the diet. Accumulating evidence suggests herbs and spices may improve risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. In this narrative review, an overview of evidence from human clinical trials examining the effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases is provided. Human clinical trials examining supplemental doses of individual spices and herbs, or the active compounds, have yielded some evidence showing improvements to lipid and lipoprotein levels, glycemic control, blood pressure, adiposity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, cautious interpretation is warranted because of methodological limitations and substantial between-trial heterogeneity in the findings. Evidence from acute studies suggests intake of mixed herbs and spices as part of a high-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate meal reduces postprandial metabolic impairments, including lipemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Limited studies have examined the postprandial metabolic effects of incorporating mixed herbs and spices into healthy meals, and, to our knowledge, no trials have assessed the effect of longer-term intake of mixed herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. To inform evidence-based guidelines for intake of herbs and spices for general health and cardiometabolic disease risk reduction, rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials are needed, particularly trials examining herb and spice doses that can be incorporated into healthy dietary patterns.

Herbs and Spices: Modulation of Gut Microbiota for Healthy Aging

“…A randomized, controlled feeding study supported that adding a high dose (6.6 g • d −1 • 2100 kcal −1 ) of mixed culinary herbs and spices improves cardiometabolic health [3]. In addition, multiple single-herb/spice (turmeric, curcumin, cinnamon) feeding and supplementation studies have been conducted showing positive effects on lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, vascular health, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress [48]. Nonetheless, data on the dietary intake of herbs and spices are limited.…”

Ginger Update

“…Moreover, the magnitude of ginger-associated changes varied among analyses, making the clinical meaningfulness of the outcomes unclear 10,85,86 . The interpretation of findings can be affected by different types and preparation methods of ginger supplements, method of daily administration, length of treatment, and the type and severity of disease 87 . One analysis concluded that population sample size and duration of intake were critical factors in influencing the effect of ginger on type 2 diabetes 57 .…”

“…10,85,86 The interpretation of findings can be affected by different types and preparation methods of ginger supplements, method of daily administration, length of treatment, and the type and severity of disease. 87 One analysis concluded that population sample size and duration of intake were critical factors in influencing the effect of ginger on type 2 diabetes. 57 Also, other factors that can confound outcomes were not consistently examined, such as gender, diet, exercise, smoking, and use of other relevant medications.…”

Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Enzymatic Activity of Five Common Spices: Focus on Their Essential Oils and Spent Material Extractives

“…The antioxidant properties of spices are largely known; besides their common use as food preservatives, spices display additional health benefits in the prevention and complementary treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, gastro-intestinal disorders, and cancers) [1,67]. Polyphenols and terpenoids are considered the main antioxidant compounds from spices that act as radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating agents [3].…”