Volume 8 - Pre-proof (Accepted manuscript)
pbp 2026, 8 - Pre-proof (Accepted manuscript): 0-0 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Mivefroshan A. An Insight into the Most Important Medicinal Plants for Improving Metabolic Syndrome in Traditional Iranian Medicine. pbp 2026; 8
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-343-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-343-en.html
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran , dr.azam2011@gmail.com
Abstract: (291 Views)
Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disorder characterized by visceral obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C levels, and insulin resistance, representing a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Alongside lifestyle interventions, medicinal plants have long been used as complementary strategies for its prevention and management. Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) documents a wide variety of plants believed to influence metabolic syndrome components. This review aims to identify key medicinal plants reported in TIM and examine the scientific evidence supporting their role in prevention and treatment.
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using authoritative TIM texts and international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Searches employed keywords related to metabolic syndrome and medicinal plants in both Persian and English. Studies investigating the effects of medicinal plants on the prevention, management, or treatment of metabolic syndrome components were included.
Results: Numerous plants including Aloe vera, green tea, Citrullus colocynthis, chamomile, turmeric, ginger, barberry, milk thistle, nettle, chicory, bitter orange, savory, rosemary, pomegranate, garlic, dill, Tribulus terrestris, artichoke, lemon balm, Astragalus, oat, borage, flaxseed, black cumin, thyme, saffron, cinnamon, coriander, rhubarb, hemp, peppermint, passionflower, valerian, wild radish, Peganum harmala, and fennel—have traditionally been used in TIM to modulate features of metabolic syndrome. Experimental and clinical evidence supports some of these plants in enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing lipid levels, regulating blood pressure, and controlling body weight.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants documented in TIM may serve as complementary approaches for managing metabolic syndrome. Although preliminary findings are encouraging, much of the evidence derives from animal studies or traditional reports, emphasizing the need for rigorously designed clinical trials to confirm safety and efficacy. This review provides a basis for future research and the development of evidence-based herbal interventions.
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using authoritative TIM texts and international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Searches employed keywords related to metabolic syndrome and medicinal plants in both Persian and English. Studies investigating the effects of medicinal plants on the prevention, management, or treatment of metabolic syndrome components were included.
Results: Numerous plants including Aloe vera, green tea, Citrullus colocynthis, chamomile, turmeric, ginger, barberry, milk thistle, nettle, chicory, bitter orange, savory, rosemary, pomegranate, garlic, dill, Tribulus terrestris, artichoke, lemon balm, Astragalus, oat, borage, flaxseed, black cumin, thyme, saffron, cinnamon, coriander, rhubarb, hemp, peppermint, passionflower, valerian, wild radish, Peganum harmala, and fennel—have traditionally been used in TIM to modulate features of metabolic syndrome. Experimental and clinical evidence supports some of these plants in enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing lipid levels, regulating blood pressure, and controlling body weight.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants documented in TIM may serve as complementary approaches for managing metabolic syndrome. Although preliminary findings are encouraging, much of the evidence derives from animal studies or traditional reports, emphasizing the need for rigorously designed clinical trials to confirm safety and efficacy. This review provides a basis for future research and the development of evidence-based herbal interventions.
Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Medicinal plants, Phytotherapy, Traditional Iranian medicine, Herbal medicine, Cardiovascular diseases, Insulin resistance
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Phytomedicine
Received: 2024/12/12 | Accepted: 2025/08/23 | Published: 2025/12/1
Received: 2024/12/12 | Accepted: 2025/08/23 | Published: 2025/12/1
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |