The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Dietary Spices in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: An Overview

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.

Relationship of Inflammatory Markers and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women

“…The Mediterranean diet, for example, presents at least six classes of phenolic components with powerful antioxidant properties. Phytochemicals with present antioxidant properties are vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, zinc, carotenoids, flavonoids, and several other phenolic compounds [45]. Besides that, the use of isoflavones can be effective in correction and improving the lipid profile and metabolism in postmenopausal women and could favorably prevent cardiovascular events [46].…”

Cyanobacteria and Algae-Derived Bioactive Metabolites as Antiviral Agents: Evidence, Mode of Action, and Scope for Further Expansion; A Comprehensive Review in Light of the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak

“…Diet plays a critical role in the prevention of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, cancer, and chronic diseases related with ageing [ 29 , 30 ]. Marine algae-derived bioactive metabolites, such as amino acids, peptides, fatty acids, lipids, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, sterols, polyphenols, photosynthetic pigments, carrageenan, agar, fucoidan, laminaran, naviculan, vitamins, and minerals, exert a persuasive antioxidant activity that has a beneficial effect in fighting the aforementioned diseases [ 5 ].…”

Could the aroma of spices produce a cross‐modal enhancement of food saltiness and contribute to reducing salt intake?

“…Moreover, there is scientific evidence concerning the presence of bioactive compounds in several spices which provide health benefits to those who consume them. 21,22 Many experts recommend the use of spices to counteract the loss of taste when a food's salt content must be reduced. However, to date, no studies have been conducted to test at a practical level whether spices enhance saltiness.…”

“…Each spice, therefore, adds highly different aromatic notes to food. Moreover, there is scientific evidence concerning the presence of bioactive compounds in several spices which provide health benefits to those who consume them 21,22 . Many experts recommend the use of spices to counteract the loss of taste when a food's salt content must be reduced.…”