Due to the numerous health benefits that plants possess, humans have appreciated plant-derived substances and other natural agents as sources of nutrition and medicine since ancient times [1]. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is regarded as one of these multipurpose dietary and medicinal plants. It belongs to the Punicaceae family and is native to Iran, located in central Asia [2,3]. Over time, the plant arrived on other continents, and Americans and Africans began cultivating it [1,4,5]. Researchers have shown that pomegranate possesses anti-inflammatory [6], antioxidant [7], neuroprotective [8], cardioprotective [9], antimicrobial [10], and anticancer [11] qualities that could be utilized in clinical treatment. Despite the growing interest in pomegranate, it is worth noting that only a few studies have examined the effects of pomegranate on the individual parameters that contribute to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Figure 1 displays the various stages of development of the pomegranate tree, including its flowers and fruits. Figure 2 provides a detailed depiction of the internal structure of the pomegranate fruit, highlighting its different components.

Through the evolution of humankind, humans have adopted a more sedentary lifestyle coupled with poor dietary habits, both of which are regarded as significant causes of health disorders [[12], [13], [14]]. MetS is a complex metabolic disorder driving health and socioeconomic challenges worldwide to the extent of now being considered an epidemic [15,16]. It has been shown to affect both sexes and has reached a high prevalence in several countries (approximately 30%). MetS is a cluster of different cardiometabolic risk factors that include hypertension, insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia, an atherogenic profile of dyslipidemia (which includes low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and high levels of serum triglycerides (TG)), and abdominal or central obesity [[17], [18], [19]]. The significance of MetS lies in its strong association with an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are chronic and degenerative disorders linked with high morbidity and mortality rates [20]. MetS pathophysiology involves acquired and genetic factors, including positive family history, history of diabetes, unhealthy dietary habits, history of fatty liver diseases, use of specific drugs, low socioeconomic status, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcoholism [21,22]. Specifically, IR and central or abdominal obesity are essential in primarily causing dysfunctional metabolic inflammation and neurohumoral activation [23,24].

P. granatum is rich in essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fiber, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, which are crucial for preventing MetS [[25], [26], [27]]. Additionally, the fruit and other parts of the plant possess a variety of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins, and flavonoids [26,28,29], as well as other bioactive constituents that promote cardiovascular health [28]. The plant can also influence glucose, lipid metabolisms, and additional metabolic conditions, such as obesity and IR [1].

Although many studies have been dedicated to addressing the effects of pomegranate and its phytocompounds on metabolic disorders and MetS, such as Akaberi et al. [30], Toney et al. [31] and Medjakovic & Jungbauer [32], we present the inaugural mechanism-based review, delving into the current landscape of pomegranate and its derivatives' effects on the individual components of MetS. Our objective is to offer readers an up-to-date exploration of the areas where pomegranate and its products exhibit their action. Rather than focusing on the impact of pomegranate treatment on lipid metabolism in metabolic-disorder-associated diseases, similar to the approach taken by Hou et al. [33], or narrowing our focus solely on the effects of pomegranate treatment on diabetes like Banihani et al. [34], or concentrating on a single MetS diagnostic component, we approached our study from a broader perspective.