Improvement of Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Genistein Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Diverse Population-Based RCTs.

Genistein[5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one] is a phytoestrogens known to positively impact various cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, not all studies have yielded consistent results, and existing meta-analyses have not comprehensively addressed all CVD risk factors. We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We included adult randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined pure genistein supplementation without other combined interventions and reported on at least one CVD risk factor. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors using a standardized form and the Cochrane Collaboration Scale. A total of 21 RCTs were included, with 941 participants in the genistein supplementation group and 918 participants in the control group. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software with the meta package. The meta-analysis revealed that, compared to the placebo group, genistein supplementation significantly improved the levels of TC ([MD 95% CI: -9.38 [-14.64, -4.12];