Role of Cucurbitacins in the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Le résumé fourni par la source

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a constellation of interrelated metabolic disturbances, including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension, all of which substantially elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Increasing evidence supports the pivotal role of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MetS. In this context, natural bioactive compounds are being extensively explored for their potential therapeutic benefits. Cucurbitacin, a group of highly oxygenated triterpenoids primarily derived from plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, has emerged as promising candidates owing to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Notably, cucurbitacin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and insulin-sensitizing effects. They modulate key molecular pathways such as JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt, thereby exerting significant influence on inflammatory responses, adipogenesis, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. Experimental studies demonstrate that cucurbitacin can attenuate insulin resistance, inhibit adipocyte differentiation, enhance lipid catabolism, and protect against endothelial dysfunction, thus directly addressing multiple aspects of MetS pathophysiology. Moreover, their ability to mitigate oxidative stress further underscores their therapeutic potential. Despite promising preclinical data, clinical studies evaluating the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile of cucurbitacins in human populations remain limited. Future research should prioritize rigorous clinical trials, dosage standardization, and mechanistic explorations to validate cucurbitacins as viable adjuncts or alternatives in the management of metabolic syndrome. This chapter provides an overview of the mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications of cucurbitacins, highlighting their emerging role in the comprehensive treatment of metabolic syndrome.

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