Goldenberries May Help Reduce Cardiometabolic Disease Risk

The term cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) includes cardiovascular disease and metabolic diseases, like diabetes. They are the leading cause of death around the world. CMDs share several underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. 

Animal and in vitro studies have shown that goldenberries may help reduce several risk factors associated with CMDs.^1,2,3 Colombian researchers conducted this clinical trial to assess whether the effects of goldenberries on cardiometabolic disease risk were the same in humans. 

The Study

For this nutritional intervention, researchers recruited 18 men between the ages of 27 and 49. They consumed 150 grams of goldenberries per day for three weeks. 

The effects of goldenberries on cardiometabolic biomarkers - like oxidative stress and inflammation - as well as gut permeability were evaluated with a variety of assessment tools. The results were published in the 2022 edition of the Food Research International journal.

The Results


Researchers have identified syringic acid and kaempferol as putative biomarkers of goldenberry intake. Both are potent antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepato- and cardioprotective, and other properties.

After three weeks of eating goldenberries, participants had significantly reduced levels of 8-isoprostane, which is an oxidative stress marker.

Goldenberry consumption also slightly altered gut permeability by increasing intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), without inducing inflammation.

Moreover, the intervention with goldenberries had individualized effects on the gut microbiota of the participants.

What Does this Mean?

As shown by the results of this trial, eating goldenberries can lower oxidative stress, thus helping decrease cardiometabolic risk. Researchers suspect that goldenberries can provide these beneficial effects by positively modulating redox balance.

While larger clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the effects of goldenberries on cardiometabolic health, these results are promising. Studies have shown that implementing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the CMDs-related mortality risk by more than 60%.⁴

With oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia being key players in the development of CMDs, goldenberries can become a functional food for decreasing the risk factors and overall burden of CMDs.

Other herbs that might be beneficial for cardiometabolic health are peanuts, flax, green tea, and lentils.