Chlorogenic Acid's Antioxidant Defense: A Key Pharmacological Mechanism Against Metabolic Diseases

Oxidative stress constitutes a core pathological mechanism in metabolic diseases. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is a natural polyphenol, exerts a dual beneficial effect: it enhances the metabolism of both lipids and glucose, and it concurrently acts to mitigate oxidative damage by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).By activating the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway to increase endogenous antioxidant enzyme expression (e.g., SOD, GSH), synergistically inhibiting the NF-κB inflammatory pathway, and regulating gut microbiota. This review summarizes the protective mechanisms of CGA in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD), type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although formulation improvements can enhance its bioavailability, individual variability and insufficient clinical evidence still limit its application. Future efforts should integrate multi-omics approaches, novel delivery systems, and precision nutrition strategies to advance its clinical translation.