Metabolic syndrome (MetS) predisposes individuals to chronic
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like
type 2 diabetes (T2D),
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,
atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disorders caused by systemic
inflammation, intestinal
dysbiosis, and diminished
antioxidant ability, leading to oxidative stress and compromised
insulin sensitivity across vital organs. NCDs present a global health challenge characterized by lengthy and costly pharmacological treatments. Complementary and
alternative medicine using herbal
therapies has gained popularity. Approximately 350,000 plant species are considered medicinal, with 80% of the world's population opting for traditional remedies; however, only 21,000 plants are scientifically confirmed by the WHO. The Rubiaceae family is promissory for preventing and treating MetS and associated NCDs due to its rich content of metabolites renowned for their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. These compounds influence
transcription factors and mitigate chronic low-grade
inflammation, liver lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and
insulin resistance, making them a cost-effective non-pharmacological approach for MetS prevention and treatment. This review aims to collect and update data that validate the traditional uses of the Rubiaceae family for treating MetS and associated NCDs from experimental models and human subjects, highlighting the mechanisms through which their extracts and metabolites modulate
glucose and lipid metabolism at the molecular, biochemical, and physiological levels.