5,7-Dimethoxyflavone (DMF) is a flavonoid compound found in some medicinal plants, including species of Kaempferia. Its use for metabolic syndrome is primarily supported by preclinical scientific studies, rather than historical or traditional medicine. Animal studies and in vitro experiments have reported that DMF may exert beneficial effects on several features of metabolic syndrome. For example, a 2017 study (Phytomedicine, DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.11.006) found that DMF administration in high-fat diet-induced obese mice reduced weight gain, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Other research suggests that DMF may modulate lipid metabolism via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and improve glucose uptake in adipocytes. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been observed, which could be relevant for addressing the chronic low-grade inflammation present in metabolic syndrome.

Despite these promising findings, there is a lack of robust clinical data in humans. Most evidence is limited to animal models and cell culture studies, and no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted to confirm efficacy or safety in people with metabolic syndrome. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis for further investigation, current evidence is preliminary and does not warrant DMF as a clinically validated treatment for metabolic syndrome.