Natural Bioactives: A Promising Avenue for Metabolic Syndrome Therapy

Metabolic syndrome is a major global health concern, encompassing interconnected conditions such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. These metabolic disturbances significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic disorders. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying metabolic imbalances. In recent years, natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, marine organisms, and other sources have garnered attention for their potential in modulating metabolic pathways. Bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, bioactive peptides, and fatty acids have demonstrated promising effects in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and regulating lipid metabolism. Bioactive peptides, derived from food proteins, exhibit antihypertensive, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, while omega-3 and other essential fatty acids contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Despite growing interest, the molecular mechanisms, bioavailability, and clinical efficacy of these compounds remain underexplored.

This Research Topic aims to bridge this knowledge gap by compiling high-quality research on natural compounds and their role in metabolic health, providing evidence for integrative and holistic approaches to managing metabolic syndrome. By compiling original research, reviews, and clinical studies, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how bioactive compounds - including phytochemicals, bioactive peptides, and fatty acids - affect key metabolic pathways. A particular emphasis will be placed on elucidating molecular mechanisms, assessing clinical efficacy, and evaluating bioavailability to enhance translational potential. This collection aspires to advance the field of natural therapies and support their integration into evidence-based approaches for managing metabolic syndrome.

We invite contributions that explore natural compounds from diverse sources - plants, fungi, marine organisms, and more - in targeting metabolic syndrome-related pathways. Specific themes include:

• Molecular Mechanisms: Investigating how bioactive compounds influence insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

• Clinical and Preclinical Studies: Evaluating the efficacy, safety, and potential applications of natural compounds in managing metabolic syndrome.

• Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics: Addressing challenges in absorption, metabolism, and delivery of bioactive peptides, fatty acids, and other natural compounds.

• Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Exploring food-based interventions, including peptide-enriched and lipid-based formulations, and their role in metabolic health.

• Systems Biology and Omics Approaches: Utilizing genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand natural compound effects.

We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical studies that contribute to advancing knowledge in this area.
Studies that offer mechanistic insights, translational perspectives, and innovative therapeutic strategies are particularly encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Bioactive compounds, Phytochemicals, Nutraceuticals, Bioactive peptides, Fatty acids, Insulin sensitivity, Inflammation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.