<p>Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a group of disorders including type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease primarily resulting from insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted glucose and lipid metabolism. Existing pharmacological treatments often provide limited benefits and are associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer, multi-target therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on key phytochemicals such as curcumin, berberine, resveratrol, hesperidin and genistein, which have demonstrated potential in improving glycaemic control, enhancing insulin sensitivity, modulating lipid profiles, supporting liver function and reducing inflammatory markers. However, the strength of current evidence is constrained by heterogeneity in study design, variations in dosage and formulation, and small sample sizes. However, substantial heterogeneity in trial design, dosage, formulations, and sample sizes limits the generalizability of these findings. Although promising, larger, standardized, and well-controlled clinical trials are required to confirm efficacy and guide clinical application.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>