Therapeutic potential of Panax ginseng and ginsenosides in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

摘要: Summary Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health burden and will become the third largest cause of death in world by 2030. It currently believed that an exaggerated inflammatory response to inhaled irritants, particular cigarette smoke, progressive airflow limitation. This inflammation, where macrophages, neutrophils lymphocytes are prominent, leads oxidative stress, emphysema, airways fibrosis mucus hypersecretion. COPD responds poorly current anti-inflammatory treatments including corticosteroids, which produce little or no benefit. Panax ginseng has long history use Chinese medicine for respiratory conditions, asthma COPD. Objectives In this perspective we consider therapeutic potential treatment Results its compounds, ginsenosides, have reported effects through multiple mechanisms but primarily anti-oxidative effects. Ginsenosides functional ligands glucocorticoid receptors appear inhibit kinase phosphorylation MAPK ERK1/2, NF-κB transcription factor induction/translocation, DNA binding. They also pro-inflammatory mediators, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, ROS, proteases such as MMP-9. protects against stress increasing enzymes reducing production oxidants. Conclusion Given ginsenosides processes related pathogenesis, they represent attractive target