The Role of Cortisol Excess and Deficiency in Metabolic Syndrome

Cushing disease is characterized for the overproduction of endogenous glucocorticoids. In 2012, Feelders, et al, carried out a literature review from 2000 to 2012. This study found that at the time of diagnosis, 58-85% of patients have hypertension, 32-41% are obese, 20-47% have diabetes mellitus, and 38-71% have dyslipidemia Polyphenol-rich herbs have shown clinically meaningful benefits on fasting serum glucose reduction, anti-inflammation properties and anti-oxidation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Recent reviews have listed numerous herbs that have been clinically tested and showed various degrees of effectiveness in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This commentary will examine whether some herbs can reduce both cortisol and hyperglycemia.