Natural flavonoids for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a major global public health issue due to its high prevalence, disability, and mortality rates. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex and remains incompletely understood, compounded by a lack of specific and effective clinical therapies. Key pathophysiological mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, programmed cell death, and fibrosis, influenced by external risk factors such as cigarette smoke and internal factors like immune deficiency. Natural flavonoids emerge as promising adjuvant treatments or potential drug candidates for COPD, attributed to their multi-target properties and low toxicity. This article provides an overview of various types and sources of natural flavonoids that exhibit therapeutic effects on COPD, their specific pharmacological actions and detailed mechanisms of action. This review aims to serve as a reference for adjuvant treatment strategies in daily dietary practices and to inspire novel drug candidates for COPD.