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Dietary sources of polyphenols, which are derivatives and/or isomers of flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, catechins and phenolic acids, possess antioxidant properties and therefore might be important in preventing oxidative-stress-induced platelet activation and attenuating adverse haemostatic function. Free radicals, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, promote oxidative stress, leading to platelet hyperactivation and the risk of thrombosis. The consumption of antioxidant/polyphenol rich foods might therefore impart anti-thrombotic and cardiovascular protective effects via their inhibition of platelet hyperactivation or aggregation. Most commonly-used anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin block the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 pathway of platelet activation, similar to the action of antioxidants with respect to neutralising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), with a similar effect on thromboxane production via the COX-1 pathway. Polyphenols also target various additional platelet activation pathways (e.g. by blocking platelet- ADP, collagen receptors); thus alleviating fibrinogen binding to platelet surface ( GPIIb- IIIa) receptors, reducing further platelet recruitment for aggregation and inhibiting platelet degranulation. As a result of the ability of polyphenols to target additional pathways of platelet activation, they may have the potential to substitute or complement currently used anti-platelet drugs in sedentary, obese, pre-diabetic or diabetic populations who can be resistant or sensitive to pharmacological anti-platelet therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and other complications such as stroke, peripheral vascular disease and type II diabetes mellitus. MetS is also known as insulin resistance syndrome due to the fact that insulin action is reduced. The major risk factors for this syndrome are thought to be abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Other factors which are associated with MetS are physical inactivity, ageing, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and genetic predisposition. Family physicians have an important role in managing the chronic disease of MetS. The objective of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the current evidence on using complementary and alternative medicine to treat MetS. The recommendations and findings are also reviewed. Reference Lim CED, Cheng NCL, Chow YKM, Wong WSF, O'Sullivan AJ. Current evidence of complementary and alternative medicine treatment for metabolic syndrome. Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society 2010;16(4):209-214. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]