Health benefits of Allium spp. in metabolic syndrome : a review

Allium species have been recommended in traditional medicine for its efficacy in treating a variety of diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, diabetes, colds, flu, headache, cough, hemorrhage, atherosclerosis, asthma, cancer, colic and skin problems Notably, it has shown promise in mitigating inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels and reducing oxidative damage. Metabolic syndrome, a cardiovascular risk factor characterized by a cluster of metabolic irregularities, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, often precipitates insulin resistance and development of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. This review endeavors to explore the role of various Allium species on different aspect of metabolic syndrome. Bibliographic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases were searched for the collection of relevant information. The abundant biological benefits of Allium species against the metabolic syndrome can be attributed to compounds such as flavonoids, steroidal saponins, stilbenoids and organosulfur compounds (OSCs). Both extracts and isolated compounds have exhibited efficacy in reducing internal mediator of hypertension, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, showcasing favorable attributes in weight management and type 2 diabetes control. Organosulfur compounds, steroidal saponins and phenolics are among the large number of active components of the genus Allium, displaying multiple pharmacological actions, which are supported by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Nevertheless, while the existing body of evidence underscores the potential of Allium genus and its active components in managing complications associated with metabolic syndrome, further clinical trials are warranted to support their efficacy and safety for clinical application.