THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA IN INFLAMMATORY LUNG DISEASES: PHYTOCHEMISTRY, MOLECULAR MECHANISMS, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

*Swetha S., Mohammad Fias A., Srinivasan P., Dhachanamoorthi D., Gnana Sekar

ABSTRACT

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and pulmonary fibrosis are among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Persistent airway inflammation, oxidative stress, immunological dysregulation, and progressive lung tissue destruction that impairs respiratory function are the hallmarks of these illnesses. While traditional treatments like immunomodulators, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids are useful in treating symptoms, long-term use of these medications is frequently linked to side effects and reduced effectiveness in certain people. Plant-derived medicines with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities are therefore gaining popularity. Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) is a medicinal herb commonly used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases, inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, and cough. Triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, ecdysteroids, and other bioactive phytochemicals with a variety of pharmacological actions are abundant in the plant. Through the regulation of important inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK, COX-2, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, Achyranthes aspera has been shown in experimental tests to have considerable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiallergic properties. The botanical traits, phytochemical components, molecular mechanisms, pharmacological data, and therapeutic potential of Achyranthes aspera in inflammatory lung disorders are summarized in this review. Additionally, it draws attention to research gaps and future directions for the development of phytotherapeutics based on. Achyranthes aspera for inflammatory respiratory illnesses.

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera; Inflammatory lung diseases; Respiratory inflammation; Asthma; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Acute lung injury; Pulmonary fibrosis; Phytochemistry; Anti-inflammatory activity; Oxidative stress.