Abstract
In recent years, because of the changes in modern lifestyles, the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been increasing. MetS is a cluster of conditions, including hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, that occur together, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this review provided comprehensive information on the protective effects of syringic acid (SYR) on the main components of MetS using natural phenolic acid compounds such as SYR. An exhaustive search was conducted using keywords related to SYR and MetS in scientific databases like Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar from inception to August 2024. The review included all in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research. Preclinical studies showed that SYR has protective effects against MetS, including diabetes, CVDs, dyslipidemia, and obesity. SYR has shown antidiabetic effects in animal models, lowering blood glucose and improving insulin levels. It also mitigated cardiac injury biomarkers, decreased oxidative stress, and improved lipid profiles. In animal models, SYR could lower body weight and fat mass, lower leptin levels, enhance adiponectin circulation, and improve insulin resistance. Nonetheless, there was insufficient clinical research on SYR's influences on humans undergoing MetS. Further research, especially randomized controlled trials, is needed to examine its effectiveness, safety, optimal doses, and long-term effects.