Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health problem and is defined by the presence of at least three of five diagnostic criteria, which include impaired glucose metabolism, abdominal obesity, hypertension, high levels of triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. MetS increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this review, we describe the effects of diet, physical activity and natural remedies on the prevention and treatment of MetS, performing a literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar. The results of this work show that the Mediterranean diet, the energy-restricted Mediterranean diet and the healthy diet are promising dietary strategies for treating and preventing MetS. Other diets include the fat-modified diet, the carbohydrate-modified diet, the high-protein diet, intermittent fasting and the plant-based diet. Physical activity has beneficial effects on MetS, alone or in combination with a proper diet and natural remedies. Finally, natural remedies, such as unsaturated fatty acids, resveratrol, artichoke, berberine, probiotics and prebiotics, garlic, curcumin and pomegranate, may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of this condition. The results of many scientific studies described in this work should be confirmed. This review shows that diet, physical activity and natural remedies are effective in preventing and treating MetS.Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Treatment, Diet, Physical activity, Natural remedies.Impact statement: Diet, physical activity and natural remedies are promising strategies for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Cynara scolymus L., called artichoke or globe artichoke, is a perennial herbaceous plant cultivated worldwide. This plant is a common component of the Mediterranean diet and has been used as a remedy for health conditions since antiquity. The aim of this review is to find the health-promoting properties of artichoke, conducting a literature search in PubMed. The results show that 119 studies describe these effects and 17 health benefits of artichoke are reported in the scientific literature. Antioxidant activity and effects on the liver and lipid profile are the main health-promoting properties of this plant. We found that artichoke also improves cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health and exerts anticancer, antimetabolic and antiobesity, prebiotic and probiotic, renoprotective and antidiabetic activities. Only one or two research articles reported the positive effects of this plant on the immune system, arthritis, photoaging, the reproductive system, the nervous system, fungal infections and periodontal diseases. The health benefits are mainly exerted by phenolics. In conclusion, this review shows the health-promoting properties of artichoke. The main beneficial effects are antioxidant activity and effects on lipid profile and the liver, which are mainly mediated by phenolics. The results of the scientific articles described in this review and the molecular mechanisms related to the health benefits of artichoke should be confirmed by future experimental studies.Keywords: Artichoke, Cynara scolymus L., Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Lipid profileImpact statement: Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) has many health benefits and the main properties are antioxidant activity and effects on the liver and lipid profile.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a small tree or shrub, which is grown in large parts of the world. The medicinal properties of this plant are known since ancient times and are due to the phytochemical constituents found in the plant. This review describes the therapeutic effects of pomegranate, which are reported in the scientific literature. We performed a literature search, using the PubMed database. We utilised this database to find the research articles published between 2000 and 2021, showing the medicinal properties of oral intake of pomegranate. We included 55 research articles and we found 11 beneficial effects of pomegranate consumption on human health. The therapeutic effects of this plant comprise those on diabetes, the cardiovascular system, oxidative status, the nervous system, cancer, colitis, metabolic syndrome and obesity, arthritis, the reproductive system, parasitic infections and skin health. Cardiovascular, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities are well reported in the scientific literature and the medicinal properties of pomegranate may be exerted by polyphenols found in the plant. This review shows the health benefits of oral intake of pomegranate. The most commonly reported beneficial activities of this plant are antioxidant, cardiovascular and antidiabetic effects. The polyphenol constituents of pomegranate may be responsible for its medicinal properties. Future research is needed to define the therapeutic effects of oral intake of this plant and the phytochemical compounds implicated in these activities.Keywords: Pomegranate, Polyphenols, Therapeutic effects, Antioxidant, Cardiovascular, Antidiabetic