Tangeretin in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis: Current Advances and Future Perspectives.

Pulmonary fibrosis seriously endangers human health, with its incidence and mortality rates steadily increasing. Current treatment methods have limitations. This review focused on the research progress and future prospects of tangeretin in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Tangeretin, a compound derived from the peel of citrus fruits, has garnered attention in pulmonary fibrosis research due to its unique chemical structure and its background in traditional medical applications. This paper discussed the pathological mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis, including the initiation and persistent inflammation, abnormal activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, imbalance in extracellular matrix [ECM] metabolism, and the cycle of oxidative stress injury. Tangeretin has shown potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammation, regulation of ECM metabolism, and antioxidative stress activities. This paper reviewed the current research progress and possible therapeutic effects of tangeretin on pulmonary fibrosis and proposed future research directions for its application.