Plant-Derived Natural Products for Dietary Intervention in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Growing rates of overweight and obesity worldwide call for novel approaches to treatment, and plant-derived natural products present a promising therapeutic option. Evaluate the efficacy of plant-derived natural products as dietary interventions for overweight and obesity through a systematic review and network meta-analysis. We conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched from five databases and registries up to March 2024, selecting randomized controlled trials examining dietary interventions with plant-derived natural products for adults with obesity or overweight. The frequentist approach was used for the network meta-analysis, assessing 13 metabolic and obesity-related outcomes. Our review included 39 studies with 2513 participants with PROSPERO registration ID CRD42024520305. African Mango emerged as the most effective intervention, reducing body weight (MD: −10.00 kg, 95% CI: −16.74 to −3.26), waist circumference (MD: −11.70 cm, 95% CI: −17.15 to −6.25), total cholesterol (MD: −44.01 mg/dL, 95% CI: −58.95 to −29.08), triglycerides (MD: −42.65 mg/dL, 95% CI: −79.70 to −5.60), and random blood glucose (MD: −14.95 mg/dL, 95% CI: −18.60 to −11.30). Green coffee led to the largest reduction in body fat percentage (MD: −2.90%, 95% CI: −4.88 to −0.92) and BMI (MD: −3.08 kg/m², 95% CI: −6.35 to 0.19). Ephedra was most effective in reducing fasting blood glucose (MD: −4.60 mg/dL, 95% CI: −5.49 to −3.71) and HOMA-IR (MD: −16.20, 95% CI: −18.66 to −13.74). There were too few direct comparisons between various metabolites; thus, most of the comparisons were indirect comparisons through placebo. Plant-derived natural products significantly impact obesity management, notably in body weight, waist circumference, and lipid profile reduction; however, further high-quality and rigorous studies were needed to establish the clinical efficacy of the plant-derived natural products.