The long-term pathological state known as metabolic syndrome is characterized by hypertension, insulin resistance diabetes, abdominal obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Seeking healthcare strategies with fewer side effects, such as herbal remedies, is preferable in terms of mitigating the negative consequences of synthetic medications. Ziziphus lotus (L.) (Rhamnaceae) or wild jujube,commonly known as “Sedra,” is one of the best choices as it contains a variety of phytochemicals and biologically active compounds. Several favonoids and stilbenes have been recognized as the primary bioactive components in wild jujube, including rutin, hyperin, isoquercitrin, and resveratrol. These polyphenols are pharmacologically active and have broad-spectrum beneficial effects for reducing the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Tey exhibit antioxidant and anti-infammatory properties, regulate lipid metabolism, and possess antiobesity, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic characteristics. However, there are certain limitations to their therapeutic application, such as low bioavailability. Various strategies have been proposed to enhance their pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic potential for future use. The main goal of this review is to explore the underlying mechanisms related to the therapeutic effects of wild jujube and its active compounds in the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome.

Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius Schott) and mugwort (Artemisia campestris L.) are plants traditionally used to treat various pathologies, including hypertension. The vasodilatory and hypotensive effects of blackberry were investigated through experiments in rat models (n = 5 rats per group) and compared with those of mugwort, which had been demonstrated previously. A nutrigenomic experiment in mouse models (n = 3 mice per group) was also performed for both plants to associate biomarker genes with these effects. Additionally, a phytochemical analysis was carried out to identify the bioactive molecules responsible for the cardiovascular effects. A dose‐dependent hypotensive effect and a carbachol‐like vasodilatory effect were observed for blackberry and compared with those of mugwort. These effects were associated with the deregulation of gene expression related to vessel lumen expansion (Amotl2, Cdh1 and Tfcp2l1) and circulatory system morphology and activity (Dsp, Ahnak, Prcp and Smtnl2) for both plants. Their functional potential also includes antiproliferative, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory and appetite‐regulating properties. Chlorogenic acids, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were identified in blackberry as the main bioactive molecules likely to be responsible for its cardiovascular effect. The blackberry extract exhibited a vasorelaxant effect 20 times greater than mugwort, attributed to the exclusive presence of the hypotensive galloyl‐bis‐HHDP glucose derivative and a more pronounced upregulation of Tfcp2l1, which is involved in epithelial cell maturation. This study validates the traditional use of blackberry and mugwort in treatment of hypertension, identifies marker genes and bioactive molecules for vasodilatory and hypotensive effects and expands their potential applications to cancer prevention, inflammation reduction and appetite regulation.

Ziziphus lotus has traditionally been used as a phytotherapeutic agent for cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, nervous, and reproductive health. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach combining in vivo nutrigenomic analyses, cardiovascular physiology experiments, and phytochemical and ethnobotanical data was employed to investigate the effects of aqueous Z. lotus extract (ZLex). ZLex significantly upregulated genes involved in nitric oxide synthesis ( Camk1 , Gch1 ), smooth muscle relaxation, and angiotensin degradation, correlating with reductions in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure. In addition, ZLex modulated key neurotransmission-related genes ( Dbh , Htr2a , Gabrg3 ), supporting its potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective actions. Immune modulation was indicated by the upregulation of genes associated with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial responses. Metabolic benefits were linked to the regulation of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and body weight control. Positive effects on reproductive health were suggested by the induction of genes implicated in spermatogenesis. These effects are likely mediated by bioactive constituents such as rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, 3′,5′-di-C-β-glucopyranosylphloretin, a quercetin dirhamnosyl-galactoside, and myricetin-3-O-rutinoside. Altogether, the findings provide mechanistic support for the traditional use of Z. lotus and highlight its therapeutic potential in managing hypertension and other chronic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and anxiety.