Natural Products as Therapeutics for Lung and Respiratory Diseases

Le résumé fourni par la source

Respiratory health globally faces multifaceted challenges, ranging from the immediate threat of viral pandemics and acute injuries to the long-term burden of pollution-related chronic diseases.This is particularly evident in underprivileged regions, including the Indian subcontinent, where environmental constraints and winter pollution levels can elevate up to five times the safety limit, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, significantly exacerbating respiratory morbidity.1,2 Consequently, respiratory disorders have emerged as a leading cause of global mortality.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), predominantly characterised by persistent airflow obstruction and symptoms such as chronic cough and dyspnoea, affects approximately 10.3% of the global population, ranking as the third major cause of death worldwide.3,4 Concurrently, the ubiquity of chest computed tomography (CT) screening has led to a marked increase in the detection of pulmonary nodules (PNs).Although the majority of these nodules are benign, [5][6][7] their identification often includes considerable patient anxiety.This creates a clinical dilemma between necessary vigilance and the prevention of overtreatment.8,9 The spectrum of respiratory pathology further extends to Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and its severe manifestation, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).Often triggered by pneumonia, sepsis, or viral agents such as SARS-CoV-2, these conditions remain major drivers of mortality in acute care settings.10 Furthermore, oncological burdens also remain significant.Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-associated mortality globally, with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounting for roughly 80% of all cases.11,12 This converging triad of threats-environmental, viral, and oncological, highlights the urgent need for safe, effective, and accessible therapeutics.While modern medicine has made significant strides, it is often constrained by the emergence of multidrug resistance, severe systemic toxicity, and prohibitive costs.In response, a paradigm shift is observable: "Nature's Pharmacy"-ethnobotanical knowledge-is being rigorously integrated with molecular pharmacology and nanotechnology to engineer the next generation of therapeutics.13 This integration is deeply rooted in traditional practices.In the isolated and harsh climatic zones of Jammu and Kashmir, local populations rely on over 45 identified plant species, including Bergenia ciliata and Saussurea costus, to manage respiratory ailments.1 A similarly rich heritage is found in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which employs a holistic framework emphasising the balance of Yin and Yang, Qi, and blood.As Shi and collaborators 9 elucidate, TCM views respiratory health through the interconnectedness of the "Zang Fu" organs-specifically the lungs, spleen, and kidneys.In the context of COPD, TCM theory posits that "phlegm-dampness" or "lung and kidney yin deficiency" are core pathological factors.This perspective enables personalised interventions.It aims not only to alleviate symptoms but to restore homeostatic balance and arrest disease progression.8 Crucially, we are moving from empirical observation to mechanistic validation.The articles in this collection demonstrate that the efficacy of these traditional remedies is underpinned by specific bioactive compounds.Triterpenoids, such as ginsenosides from Ginseng and astragalosides from Astragali Radix, are pivotal for immunomodulation.They also protect against lung injury by regulating apoptosis pathways.Alkaloids, such as imperialine and peimine from Fritillaria spp, exhibit potent antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects.9 Furthermore, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharma and collaborators 14 highlight how Phyto molecules from Indian medicinal systems Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) serve as dual-action agents.These compounds boost host immunity and inhibit viral replication.. Modern science is now decoding these interactions at the molecular level.Research indicates that many herbal medicines exert their effects by targeting the TNF-α/NF-κB signalling pathway, a central mediator in the pathogenesis of both COPD

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