Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that significantly increase the chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Since current anti-MetS medications like statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, insulin sensitizers and diuretics have been reported to cause unwanted side effects, researchers are exploring promising alternatives. One such alternative relies on the potential of spices and condiments, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Among them, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume stands out as a popular spice worldwide for its unique taste, aroma, and delicate sweetness compared to other cinnamon varieties. This narrative review aims to summarize the in vivo and clinical evidence concerning the efficacy of C. zeylanicum against MetS indices. Relevant articles from PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases were reviewed. In vivo results suggested that C. zeylanicum preparations (extracts, essential oil, crude powder, bioactive compounds, and biosynthesized nanoparticles) were remarkably efficient in ameliorating MetS indices, while the clinical data were less and with several methodological limitations. Further robust clinical studies are warranted to definitively establish C. zeylanicum as a promising functional food for mitigating MetS, potentially leading to its dietary integration as a natural approach to improve metabolic health. Please cite this article as: Adarthaiya S, Arivarasan VK. Potential of Cinnamomum zeylanicum for metabolic syndrome management: insights from in vivo and human studies. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 218-229.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum/chemistry* ; Humans ; Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Phytotherapy

Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves people with the following risk factors: obesity, hypertension, high glucose level and hyperlipidemia. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of MS in the world's adult population is about 20%-25%. Today, there is much care to use medicinal plants. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as well as curcumin which is derived from the rhizome of the plant, has been shown beneficial effects on different components of MS. Thus, the purpose of this manuscript was to introduce different in vitro, in vivo and human studies regarding the effect of turmeric and its constituent on MS. Moreover, different mechanisms of action by which this plant overcomes MS have been introduced. Based on studies, turmeric and its bioactive component, curcumin, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have antidiabetic effects through increasing insulin release, antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing fatty acid uptake, anti-obesity effects by decreasing lipogenesis, and antihypertensive effects by increasing nitric oxide. According to several in vivo, in vitro and human studies, it can be concluded that turmeric or curcumin has important values as a complementary therapy in MS. However, more clinical trials should be done to confirm these effects.
Curcuma ; Curcumin/therapeutic use* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy* ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Rhizome

Metabolic syndrome characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia and liver steatosis is becoming prevalent all over the world. Herein, a water insoluble polysaccharide (WIP) was isolated and identified from the sclerotium of Poria cocos, a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine. WIP was confirmed to be a (1-3)-β-D-glucan with an average Mw of 4.486 × 10 Da by NMR and SEC-RI-MALLS analyses. Furthermore, oral treatment with WIP from P. cocos significantly improved glucose and lipid metabolism and alleviated hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. 16S DNA sequencing analysis of cecum content from WIP-treated mice indicated the increase of butyrate-producing bacteria Lachnospiracea, Clostridium. It was also observed that WIP treatment elevated the level of butyrate in gut, improved the gut mucosal integrity and activated the intestinal PPAR-γ pathway. Fecal transplantation experiments definitely confirmed the causative role of gut microbiota in mediating the benefits of WIP. It is the first report that the water insoluble polysaccharide from the sclerotium of P. cocos modulates gut microbiota to improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Thereby, WIP from P. cocos, as a prebiotic, has the potential for the prevention or cure of metabolic diseases and may elucidate new mechanism for the efficacies of this traditional herbal medicine on the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism.
Animals ; Bacteria ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Butyrates ; metabolism ; Fatty Liver ; drug therapy ; Fungal Polysaccharides ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; drug effects ; genetics ; Hyperglycemia ; drug therapy ; Hyperlipidemias ; drug therapy ; Intestines ; drug effects ; microbiology ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Obese ; Prebiotics ; Wolfiporia ; chemistry

Metabolic syndrome,a kind of clinical syndrome marked by the presence of symptoms such as hyperglycemia,dyslipidemia and hypertension,has an increasing incidence and comes to be present in younger people. More importantly,prolonged maintenance of this condition can significantly increase the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes,cardiovascular disease and cancer.However,the formation mechanism of metabolic syndrome is very complex and has not been fully studied and revealed. Dendrobium officinale is a traditional medicine and food substance with multiple physiological functions. In recent years,D. officinale has attracted much attention from the scholars both at home and abroad due to its functions such as improving blood lipid,lowering blood pressure and regulating blood sugar. However,there is no systematic review on the current studies about D. officinale in intervening metabolic syndrome and its underlying molecular mechanism. In this paper,the biological activity of the main active components,and the research or application status of D. officinale extract in the recent years were reviewed. Then,we analyzed the digestion,absorption and the safety and toxicity of D. officinale and its active components in the body. Finally,we summarized the effects of D. officinale and its active components on metabolic syndrome in animals and human bodies,and discussed its possible molecular mechanisms at the cellular level. This paper provides solid theoretical guidance and reliable molecular basis for further research and advanced development of D. officinale and its active components,especially for its oncoming clinical application.
Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Dendrobium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy* ; Plant Preparations/pharmacology*

Antipsychotic Agents ; adverse effects ; Child ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Metabolic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Metformin ; therapeutic use ; Weight Gain

BackgroundPostmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have increased cardiovascular morbidity and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). The various protective effects of astragalus membranaceus (AM) have been described in previous studies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of AM on diastolic function in postmenopausal hypertensive women with MetS.

MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized controlled study. The postmenopausal hypertensive patients with MetS were enrolled from Lanzhou University Second Hospital from March 2014 to April 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: control group (received conventional medical treatment), AM Group 1 (received AM capsules at 5 g/d additionally), and AM Group 2 (received AM capsules at 10 g/d additionally). Echocardiographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated before and 12 months after treatment. Quantitative data were analyzed using unpaired t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis.

ResultsA total of 154 patients were subjected to final analysis. In the AM Group 2, significant improvements were noted in diastolic function 12 months after treatment than those of the control group, including the early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E'; 0.065 ± 0.007 m/s vs. 0.061 ± 0.008 m/s, P = 0.014), the ratio of the early diastolic mitral peak flow velocity to the late diastolic mitral peak flow velocity (E/A; 0.81 ± 0.05 vs. 0.80 ± 0.06, P = 0.012), the ratio of E' to the late diastolic mitral annular velocity (E'/A'; 0.56 ± 0.12 vs. 0.51 ± 0.13, P = 0.048), and the ratio of the early diastolic mitral peak flow velocity (E) to E' (E/E'; 10.70 ± 1.30 vs. 11.37 ± 1.73, P = 0.031). After treatment, E/E' (10.70 ± 1.30 vs. 11.24 ± 1.56, P = 0.021), deceleration time (DT; 261.49 ± 44.41 ms vs. 268.74 ± 53.87 ms, P = 0.046), and E'/A' (0.56 ± 0.12 vs. 0.52 ± 0.13, P = 0.019) values improved more significantly than those of AM Group 2 before treatment. Besides, waist circumference was positively correlated with E' (r = 0.472; P = 0.003) and E'/A' (r = 0.321; P = 0.047). In addition, the waist-to-hip ratio was a significant predictor of DT (r = 0.276; P = 0.041), E' (r = -0.590; P < 0.001), E/E' (r = 0.454; P = 0.004), and E'/A' (r = -0.377; P = 0.018).

ConclusionsConventional medical plus AM therapy improved diastolic function. Moreover, WC and WHR might be risk factors for LVDD.

Chinese Clinical Trial RegisterChiCTR-TRC-11001747. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=7798.

Astragalus propinquus ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; drug therapy ; Metabolic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Postmenopause ; drug effects ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ; drug therapy

BACKGROUNDTranscription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)-rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The response of insulin and insulin resistance to artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may be affected by TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism.

OBJECTIVEThis study examined the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONSThis double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with MetS in Sina Clinic, Khoy, Iran. The patients were randomized into ALE or placebo groups to receive either ALE (1800 mg/d as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESAnthropometric indices, blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile levels were measured before and after the study. Moreover, patients were genotyped for TCF7L2 polymorphism.

RESULTSALE supplementation decreased insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with the TT genotype of TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism (P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile response to ALE supplementation.

CONCLUSIONThe responses of insulin and HOMA-IR to ALE supplementation have shown an interaction with single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146 in TCF7L2.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONIranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT201409033320N9.

Adult ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Cynara scolymus ; Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Insulin ; blood ; Insulin Resistance ; genetics ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein ; genetics

BACKGROUNDMenopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has been proven to have beneficial effects on several components of metabolic syndrome. However, the effects vary according to different regimens, dosages, and duration of MHT. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of standard-dose 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and half-dose 0.3 mg CEE daily with different progestogens in a continuous sequential regimen on postmenopausal metabolic parameters in generally healthy postmenopausal women.

METHODSA prospective, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between February 2014 and December 2015. Totally 123 Chinese postmenopausal women with climacteric symptoms were included in this study and were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A received CEE 0.3 mg/micronized progesterone (MP) 100 mg daily; Group B received CEE 0.625 mg/MP 100 mg daily; and Group C received CEE 0.625 mg/dydrogesterone 10 mg daily. Drugs were given in a continuous sequential pattern. The duration of treatment was 12 months. Clinical, anthropometrical, and metabolic variables were measured. Data were analyzed according to intention-to-treat analysis, using Student's t-test and analysis of variance.

RESULTSA total of 107 participants completed the 12-month follow-up and were included in the data analysis. At 12 months of treatment, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A significantly increased, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly decreased in Groups B and C, compared with baseline (all P < 0.05). Among the three groups, only Group C showed significantly increased triglycerides compared with baseline (1.61 ± 0.80 mmol/L vs. 1.21 ± 0.52 mmol/L, P = 0.026). Each group showed a neutral effect on total cholesterol, lipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, and fasting insulin levels. No cardiovascular and venous thromboembolic events occurred in the three groups.

CONCLUSIONSAmong Chinese postmenopausal women, half-dose CEE was not sufficient to induce a favorable lipid and carbohydrate profile compared with standard-dose CEE. Adding natural MP may counterbalance the TG-increasing effect of CEE.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01698164; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01698164?term=NCT01698164&rank=1.

Apolipoproteins B ; blood ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Body Composition ; drug effects ; Dydrogesterone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin ; blood ; Lipoprotein(a) ; blood ; Metabolic Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; Middle Aged ; Postmenopause ; Progesterone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Triglycerides ; blood

Menopausal metabolic syndrome (MMS) is a series of syndrome caused by ovarian function decline and hormone insufficiency, and is a high risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Erzhiwan (EZW), composed of Herba Ecliptae and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been used to treat menopausal syndrome for many years. We added Herba Epimedii, Radix Rehmanniae, and Fructus Corni into EZW, to prepare a new formula, termed Jiawei Erzhiwan (JE). The present study was designed to determine the anti-MMS effects of JE using ovariectomized (OVX) adult female rats that were treated with JE for 4 weeks, and β-tc-6 cells and INS cells were used to detected the protect effectiveness of JE. Our results showed JE could increase insulin sensitivity and ameliorated hyperlipidemia. Metabolomics analysis showed that the serum levels of branched and aromatic amino acids were down-regulated in serum by JE administration. Moreover, JE enhanced the function of islet β cells INS-1 and β-tc-6, through increasing the glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), which was abolished by estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, indicating that JE functions were mediated by ER signaling. Additionally, JE did not induce tumorigenesis in rat mammary tissue or promoted proliferation of MCF-7 and Hela cells. In conclusion, our work demonstrated that JE ameliorated OVX-induced glucose and lipid metabolism disorder through activating estrogen receptor pathway and promoting GSIS in islet β cells, thus indicating that JE could be a safe and effective medication for MMS therapy.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Humans ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Insulin Secretion ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Menopause ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Metabolic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Mice ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The therapeutic effects and side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which is a main treatment method for metastatic prostate cancer, are well known, but the metabolic effects have only recently been studied. This review describes the effects of ADT on body habitus, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The review was done by using KoreaMed and PubMed to search the medical literature related to prostate cancer, ADT, body habitus, lipid profile, diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. ADT increases fat mass and decreases lean body mass. Fat mostly accumulates in the subcutaneous area. ADT increases total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein, as well as the risk for insulin resistance and diabetes. ADT also increases the risk for cardiovascular events, but insufficient evidence is available for a correlation with mortality. ADT changes body habitus and lipid profiles and has different characteristics than those of classic metabolic syndrome, but it is related to insulin resistance and diabetes. ADT increases the risk for cardiovascular events. No consistent guidelines have been proposed for treating the metabolic effects of ADT, but the generally recommended treatment methods for lowering the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease should be fully understood. Additional studies are necessary.
Androgen Antagonists/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Body Composition/drug effects ; Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism/mortality ; Cholesterol/chemistry ; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology/metabolism ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*agonists ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipids/blood ; Lipoproteins, HDL/blood ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/epidemiology/metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms/*drug therapy ; Risk Factors ; Triglycerides/chemistry