Abstract

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of interconnected metabolic disturbances including obesity, insulin resistance, 
dyslipidemia, and hypertension, represents a major global health challenge. Current therapeutic strategies often 
target individual components of the syndrome, yet their long-term efficacy is limited, and adverse effects remain 
a concern. Increasing attention has been directed toward natural bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids 
from medicinal plants, as multifunctional agents capable of modulating multiple metabolic pathways 
simultaneously. Plant-derived alkaloids such as berberine, piperine, palmatine, and harmine have demonstrated 
significant potential in improving insulin sensitivity, regulating lipid metabolism, modulating gut microbiota, 
attenuating inflammation, and enhancing mitochondrial function. This review provides a comprehensive 
examination of plant alkaloids in the management of insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The 
mechanistic insights, therapeutic prospects, and translational challenges of these compounds are explored, 
highlighting their promise as integrative interventions for complex metabolic disorders. 
Keywords: plant-derived alkaloids, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, natural therapeutics