Phytochemicals with potential effects in metabolic syndrome prevention and therapy

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome represents a clustering of risk factors related to an elevated danger of cardiovascular diseases and type 2. diabetes. The high incidence of obesity, the key risk factor in metabolic syndrome, and the lack of safe pharmaceutical agents have fuelled an increase in research related to anti-metabolic syndrome drugs. Phytochemicals have biological properties such as antioxidant, modulation of detoxifi cation enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of platelet aggregation and modulation of hormone metabolism. These compounds include vitamins, comprising of vitamin C, D and E, fl avonoids, phenolic acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Furthermore, the latest discoveries and studies on the molecular mechanism of these phytochemicals suggested their potential positive effect in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. They should be incorporated in food ingredients, dietary supplements, or drug preparations. The main focus of this article is to review the available information on various aspects of phytochemicals, with special reference to their effectiveness in risk reduction of the metabolic syndrome and obesity-related diseases.

Association between the Phytochemical Index and Lower Prevalence of Obesity/Abdominal Obesity in Korean Adults

“…Hydroxycitric acid inhibits fat production by reducing acetyl-CoA and using it as a precursor for fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis [ 13 ]. Furthermore, flavonoids, such as quercetin, naringenin, genistein, kaempferol, hesperidin, and rutin, are effective for preventing obesity, specifically through reducing fat accumulation in the body [ 10 ].…”

“…In this study, the phytochemical intake was higher among women than among men, which could be attributed to the fact that many women in our study consumed phytochemicals to gain the positive health benefit afforded by phytochemicals. Moreover, certain types of phytochemicals, such as resveratrol and isoflavones, have similar structures to estrogens, and they are known to imitate or influence the role of estrogen in the body [ 10 , 36 , 39 ]. Specifically, isoflavones have been considered as a substitute for hormone therapy and can be consumed as a source of phytochemical-rich foods [ 36 ].…”

“…While various nutritional epidemiological studies have been conducted to identify key dietary factors affecting the risk of obesity, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains has been shown to be effective for weight control [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Phytochemicals are physiologically active substances commonly found in plant-based foods, especially fruits and vegetables, that have evident antioxidant and anti-obesity-related functions [ 10 ]. A phytochemical index (PI) has previously been proposed to evaluate the disease prevention effect of phytochemicals in epidemiological studies [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Dichloromethanolic Leaf Extract of Gnidia glauca (Fresen) as a Promising Antiobesity Drug

“…This, in turn, creates a more stable tocopheroxyl radical. 121 Vitamin E increases the levels of serum glutathione and stimulates the catalytic activity of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. 122 Tocotrienols are also reported to inhibit LDL oxidation.…”

Probiotics and Other Bioactive Compounds with Proven Effect against Obesity and Hypertension: Food Design Opportunities from Lulo Fruit (Solanum quitoense)

“…Phytochemical compounds have gained popularity in recent years due to their broadly documented effect in cancer prevention among other biological effects, such as the prevention and treatment of obesity, cholesterol, and diabetes [31]. Mechanisms employed by phytochemicals in ameliorating metabolic syndrome risk factors are diverse and dependent on their particular chemical structure.…”