The Effect of Ipomoea batatas on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), a fiber-rich food with a low glycemic index, has shown potential in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate its effects on glycemic and lipid parameters in animal models of obesity and insulin resistance.

METHODS

Relevant experimental studies published in English were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase, excluding in silico models. Data were extracted for fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the SYRCLE RoB tool. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025599301). The literature search was conducted from November 2024 to August 2025.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving 428 animals were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that I. batatas administration significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (SMD = -3.88; 95% CI: -5.63 to -2.13; p < 0.0001; I 2 = 87%) and improved lipid parameters, including reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C and an increase in HDL-C (SMD total cholesterol -21.5 [-38.49 to -4.55]; p = 0.01; I 2 = 93%; SMD triglycerides -4.83 [-9.07 to -0.60]; p = 0.03; I 2 = 93%; SMD LDL-C -9.86 [-19.21 to -0.50]; p = 0.04; I 2 = 96%; SMD HDL-C 11.13 [2.06 to 20.21]; p = 0.02; I 2 = 95%). These effects were observed for both leaf and root extracts.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with I. batatas favorably influences fasting glucose and lipid profiles in animal models, suggesting its potential as a functional dietary component for improving metabolic health.