Targeting Myeloperoxidase in Disease Pathogenesis: Emerging Roles of Natural Products in Therapeutic Modulation.

Abstract

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a heme-containing enzyme that regulates inflammation and oxidative stress under normal physiological conditions, but when dysregulated, it contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular, immune-related, and malignant diseases. While its pathological roles have been widely described, the therapeutic applications of targeting this enzyme remain insufficiently explored. Natural compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and traditional herbal formulations, possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that attenuate oxidative stress and modulate MPO activity. This review explores the molecular pathways through which dysregulated MPO activity promotes disease and compiles a categorized overview of natural products and traditional Chinese medicines capable of influencing MPO function. These findings provide a framework for therapeutic discovery, thus enabling target validation and the development of novel interventions across diverse inflammatory and degenerative conditions.