Protective Effects of Ferulic Acid on Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease in which protein, fat, carbohydrates and other substances are metabolized in a disorderly way. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid found in many vegetables, fruits, cereals and Chinese herbs that has a strong effect on ameliorating MetS. However, no review has summarized the mechanisms of FA in treating MetS. This review collected articles related to the effects of FA on ameliorating the common symptoms of MetS, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and obesity, from different sources involving Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar, etc. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms of FA in improving various metabolic disorders according to the collected articles. FA ameliorates diabetes via the inhibition of the expressions of PEPCK, G6Pase and GP, the upregulation of the expressions of GK and GS, and the activation of the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway. The decrease of blood pressure is related to the endothelial function of the aortas and RAAS. The improvement of the lipid spectrum is mediated via the suppression of the HMG-Co A reductase, by promoting the ACSL1 expression and by the regulation of the factors associated with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, FA inhibits obesity by upregulating the MEK/ERK pathway, the MAPK pathway and the AMPK signaling pathway and by inhibiting SREBP-1 expression. This review can be helpful for the development of FA as an appreciable agent for MetS treatment.

Antiobesity and Antioxidative Effect of Fermented Brown Rice Using In Vitro with In Vivo Caenorhabditis elegans Model

“…According to Naowaboot et al [ 32 ], FA promotes glucose and lipid homeostasis in HFD-induced obese mice, most probably through modulating the regulation of lipid metabolism and gluconeogenic genes in hepatic tissue. FA enhances antioxidant activity, lowering fat accumulation, body mass, and hyperlipidemia in obese mice [ 33 ].…”

Human diet‐derived polyphenolic compounds and hepatic diseases: From therapeutic mechanisms to clinical utilization

“…Ferulic acid (3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid) is a phenolic acid commonly found in traditional Chinese medicines like Chuanxiong, Mucuna pruriens, and Shengma , as well as in various foods including rice, oats, and tomatoes. It has shown therapeutic potential in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, leukopenia, metabolic, and neurological diseases (D. Li, Rui, et al, 2021; Thapliyal et al, 2021; Ye et al, 2022). Recently, there has been an increasing focus on the role of ferulic acid in hepatic disorders (Table 3).…”

Molecular Changes in Cells of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Depending on Changes in Glycemia Level in the Context of Lifestyle—An Overview of the Latest Scientific Discoveries

“…Altered activation of AMPK by phosphorylation is associated with inflammation in a mouse model of obesity or obese patients [ 109 , 110 ]. One of them, ferulic acid, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body, as evidenced by reduced production of ROS, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and expression of adhesion molecules and circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by upregulating AMPK phosphorylation [ 111 ]. Additionally, adiponectin expression and circulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are increased [ 111 ].…”

“…One of them, ferulic acid, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body, as evidenced by reduced production of ROS, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and expression of adhesion molecules and circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by upregulating AMPK phosphorylation [ 111 ]. Additionally, adiponectin expression and circulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are increased [ 111 ]. In the studies presented by Huang et al, resveratrol, by influencing AMPK signaling, reverses mitochondrial dysfunction, increases total antioxidant capacity, increases superoxide dismutase SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and reduces the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein in obese mice fed with HFD [ 112 ].…”