Effect of pistachio on brachial artery diameter and flow-mediated dilatation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled-feeding clinical studies

ABSTRACT

Background: Results of previous clinical trials evaluating the effect of pistachio supplementation on endothelial reactivity (ER) are controversial. Aims: We aimed to assess the impact of pistachio on ER through systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of available randomized, controlled-feeding clinical studies (RCTs). Methods: The literature search included SCOPUS, PubMed-Medline, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar databases up to 1st August 2017 to identify RCTs investigating the impact of pistachio on ER. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods and outcomes. Overall, the impact of pistachio on ER was reported in 4 trials. Results: The meta-analysis did not suggest a significant change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) (WMD: +0.28%; 95%CI: −0.58, 1.13; p = 0.525) while brachial artery diameter (BAD) improved (WMD: +0.04%; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.06; p<0.001) following pistachios consumption. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests a significant effect of pistachios on ER, affecting BAD but not FMD.

KEYWORDS:

• Pistachio
• endothelial reactivity
• flow mediated dilatation
• brachial artery diameter
• meta-analysis

Disclosure statement

The authors have no affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript.

Source of funding

The meta-analysis was written independently; no company or institution supported it financially.