Multi-Targeted Intervention of Eucommia ulmoides and Its Bioactive Constituents Against Metabolic Syndrome: From Molecular Mechanisms and Gut Microbiota Modulation to Clinical Translation

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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pressing global health challenge comprising obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Conventional polypharmacy often presents long-term compliance issues and side effects. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., a traditional medicinal and edible plant rich in iridoids, lignans, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, has emerged as a promising natural intervention. This review aims to systematically summarize the bioavailability and multifaceted pharmacological mechanisms of E. ulmoides and its bioactive components in alleviating MetS. Methods: We comprehensively reviewed the recent in vitro and in vivo literature to map the functional evidence, specific signaling pathways, and gut microbiota–host interactions associated with E. ulmoides extracts and its key phytochemicals (e.g., asperuloside) against various metabolic dysfunctions. Results: Current evidence indicates that E. ulmoides operates through a “multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway” paradigm. For hyperlipidemia and obesity, it activates hepatic lipid metabolism (PPARα/CPT1A, FXR/CYP7A1) and mitigates oxidative stress (Nrf2/ARE). Furthermore, it dose-dependently reshapes the gut microbiota by enriching beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia and increasing butyrate production, exerting profound gut–liver axis regulation. It also ameliorates hypertension by activating the ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-Mas axis, improves insulin resistance via the AMPK/PI3K/Akt cascade, and manages hyperuricemia by modulating XOD and renal transporters. Notably, the low oral bioavailability of its glycosides highlights the crucial role of gut microbial hydrolysis in its efficacy. Conclusions: E. ulmoides holds substantial therapeutic potential as a multi-target natural supplement for MetS. However, future translational applications necessitate large-scale randomized clinical trials, multi-omics studies to further clarify host–microbiome interactions, and the development of standardized formulations to ensure clinical efficacy.
Funding Information
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (82305009)
  • Department of Science and Technology of Hunan Province (2024JJ5225)

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