Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of physiologically dysregulated parameters that can include elevated fasting blood glucose, high blood pressure, central obesity, increased triglyceride levels, insulin resistance, diabetes, elevated low density lipoprotein levels, and reduced high density lipoprotein levels in the blood. Effective clinical management of MetS is critical as it is strongly associated with long lasting and fatal complications in patients. Alongside standard care of lifestyle changes and medication, dietary supplements derived from herbal resources could be an alternative therapeutic strategy that is safe, efficient, culturally acceptable, and has few side effects. Of the dietary supplements, spicy foods have always been considered a great source of functional bioactive compounds. Herbal therapy is broadly used in many countries as a treatment or as a preventive measure in the management of MetS risk factors, including blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels. Herein, an attempt is made to evaluate the recent studies in the management of MetS with herbal alternatives, and to explore the possibility of their use as therapeutic treatments or supplements.
Highlights
The definitive importance of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is due to its ability to identify individuals who are at high risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [7]
As MetS is characterized as a group of factors elevating the risk for CVD and type-2 diabetes, management should begin by addressing each factor individually
Another randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted in individuals with type-2 diabetes for 2 months examined the effects of ginger powder on glycemic parameters and found that ginger significantly increased insulin sensitivity, but had no effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c [85]
Summary
From the early 1920s to the late 1980s, researchers have noted the relationship between upper body obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1,2] with the term “metabolic syndrome” (MetS) coined to describe the cluster of abnormalities in 1977. It was first described by Haller et al [3], when discussing the association between diabetes mellitus type-2 (type-2 diabetes), obesity, hyperlipoproteinemia, hyperuricemia, and hepatic steatosis, as cumulative risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
