The association between medicinal herbs consumption and body weight and composition: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Evidence on the effect of medicinal herbs on body weight and composition are conflicting. This study aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of medicinal herbs consumption and anthropometric indices in patients undergoing coronary angiography. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 662 subjects aged 35-75 years who were referred for coronary angiography to Afshar Hospital, Yazd, Iran. Anthropometric indices were evaluated using standard tools, and the frequency of medicinal herbs consumption was assessed by a predefined questionnaire. Weekly or daily consumption of saffron was positively associated with abdominal obesity based on waist circumference and also body mass index (BMI, P < 0.05). In addition, A higher intake of foeniculum vulgare and sumac was associated with increased waist circumference and percentage of visceral fat, respectively (P < 0.05). However, weekly or daily consumption of cinnamon was associated with a lower visceral fat percentage (P = 0.01). Body fat percentage was significantly lower in subjects who did not consume Carum carvi L and Matricaria chamomilla (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a weekly/daily intake of Mentha pulegium L and Matricaria chamomilla, and Monthly intake of Lavandula angustifolia were associated with a higher percentage of skeletal muscle (P < 0.05). Medicinal herbs consumption might be associated with anthropometric indices. Future prospective studies are recommended to confirm these findings.