Ferulic Acid: Mechanistic Insights and Multifaceted Applications in Metabolic Syndrome, Food Preservation, and Cosmetics.

Ferulic acid (FA) is a plant-derived phenolic compound recognized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with growing applications in health, food, and cosmetic sciences. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent in vivo and clinical evidence, emphasizing its effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its technological applications in food and cosmetics. FA has shown preventive and therapeutic potential in managing MetS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism, lowering blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory and microbiota-related pathways. In food systems, FA serves as a multifunctional additive, exhibiting antimicrobial activity, inhibition of lipid oxidation, stabilization of pigments, and protection of sensitive nutrients that extend shelf life and enhance nutritional quality. Its inclusion in cosmetic formulations further demonstrates synergistic photoprotective effects with conventional UV filters, antioxidant support for vitamins C and E, and anti-aging and skin-brightening properties, although formulation challenges remain. Collectively, FA's pleiotropic actions and compatibility with clean-label trends highlight its value as a natural bioactive. Continued research on improving its stability, bioavailability, and clinical validation will support its broader integration into functional food, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical products.