Metabolic syndrome is a global public health problem that significantly increases a person's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the presence of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. The main therapeutic approaches to treating this condition focus on lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, as well as pharmacotherapy. However, these treatments often have limitations in their efficacy and adherence, highlighting the need for alternative or complementary approaches. One promising strategy is the use of natural compounds that could reduce the risk and could also prevent the progression of metabolic syndrome and its associated issues.

This research specifically investigates the potential therapeutic effects of a combination of lemon verbena and hibiscus flower extracts for managing metabolic syndrome [1]. The focus is on polyphenolic extracts, since polyphenols are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of oxidative stress was conducted by assessing the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mass of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, vascular, oxidative, and metabolic markers such as eNOS, Nrf2, Sirt-1, and PGC-1α were evaluated in an endothelial cell model under glucotoxicity conditions. The goal was to identify the mechanisms through which this combination of extracts exerts its effects. The results indicate a significant antioxidant and cardioprotective effect in the vascular endothelium, as well as a potential anti-inflammatory effect, which suggests that this combination of polyphenols could be a promising natural therapy for managing metabolic syndrome.

1. Herranz-López, M.; Olivares-Vicente, M.; Boix-Castejón, M.; Caturla, N.; Roche, E.; Micol, V. Differential Effects of a Combination of Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Lippia Citriodora Polyphenols in Overweight/Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, doi:10.1038/s41598-019-39159-5.