Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds of Prunus Laurocerasus in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Obesity and overweight are major global health concerns and it is obvious, that the trend of the cases is growing over time. These states are closely linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and various malignancies. Excess adiposity promotes insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and neurohormonal activation. Growing interest in natural product–based therapeutics has highlighted polyphenol-rich plant extracts as potential adjunctive strategies for metabolic regulation. Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a polyphenol-rich fruit containing bioactive compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins with reported anti-obesity effects. Methods: Extracts of fresh, frozen, and dried Prunus laurocerasus fruits, collected from different regions of Georgia were analyzed for polyphenolic content. The biological activities of the identified bioactive compounds were contextualized based on previously published preclinical studies evaluating their effects on adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, inflammatory signaling and energy regulation. Results: All extracts demonstrated consistently high polyphenolic content regardless of processing method or geographic origin. Chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins were identified as the predominant constituents, followed by substantial levels of quercetin and comparatively lower concentrations of kaempferol. Conclusion: The polyphenolic profile of Prunus laurocerasus suggests its potential as a multifaceted adjunctive strategy in metabolic syndrome management, warranting further translational and clinical investigation.