Modulatory roles of baicalin, punicalagin, and naringenin in molecular pathways of metabolic syndrome

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome is a prevailing health condition characterized by insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension. The following factors are utilized to diagnose metabolic syndrome: blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, triglyceride levels, waist circumference, fasting glucose levels, and cholesterol levels. The etiology of the condition is primarily hereditary and or acquired through lifestyle habits (such as high intake of processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, irregular meal patterns, and excessive calorie consumption) that leads to insulin resistance and thereby progressing to inflammation. Sedentary lifestyle, urbanization and dietary modifications are all the causative factors for the increasing incidence rate of Metabolic syndrome globally. The essential and primary source of treatments include healthy diet, exercise and symptomatic management. Methods This narrative review was searched using the keywords—“metabolic syndrome, baicalin, punicalagin, naringenin” exclusively on scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed. Discussion and conclusion Polyphenols have potent antioxidant qualities, therapeutic effects, and potential health advantages. These compounds can be utilized to treat metabolic syndrome because of their anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging qualities. This review paper discusses the promising potential of baicalin, punicalagin, and naringenin (including naringin) in alleviating metabolic syndrome. Baicalin, punicalagin, and naringenin are present in Chinese skullcap ( Scutellaria baicalensis ) , pomegranate ( Punica granatum ) peel and citrus fruits, respectively. They target oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance through improvement in lipid metabolism, regulate glucose homeostasis, and mitigate cardiovascular risks, making them promising candidates for managing metabolic syndrome.