Pulmonary fibrosis: Therapeutic and mechanistic insights into the role of phytochemicals

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the devastating consequence of various inflammatory diseases of the lung. PF leads to a reduction of lung function, respiratory failure, and death. Several molecular pathways are involved in PF, such as inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), tumor necrosis factor beta 1 (TNF beta 1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 4 (IL-4), reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteases, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Targeting these processes involved in the progression of PF is essential for the treatment of this disease. Natural products, including plant extracts and active compound that directly target the processes involved in PF, could be suitable therapeutic options with less adverse effects. In the present study, we reviewed the protective effects and the therapeutic role of various bioactive compounds from plants in PF management.