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Andrographolide: A promising therapeutic agent against organ fibrosis
1Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance(Shanghai University of Sport), Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China.
Abstract:
Fibrosis is the terminal pathology of chronic illness in many organs, marked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. These changes influence organ function, ultimately resulting in organ failure. Although significant progress has been achieved in comprehending the molecular pathways responsible for fibrosis in the last decades, effective and approved clinical therapies for the condition are still lacking. Andrographolide is a diterpenoid isolated and purified mainly from the aboveground parts of the Andrographis paniculata plant, which possesses good effects of purging heat, detoxifying, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In-depth research has gradually confirmed the anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral and other effects of Andro so that it can play a preventive and therapeutic role in various diseases. Over the past few years, an increasing number of research findings have indicated that Andro exerts antifibrotic effects in various organs by acting on transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic protein, mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, nuclear factor kappa-B and other signalling molecules to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation and collagen buildup. This review presents a compilation of findings regarding the antifibrotic impact of Andro in tissue and cell models in vitro and in vivo. Emphasis is placed on the potential therapeutic benefits of Andro in diseases related to organ fibrosis. Existing studies and cutting-edge technologies on Andro pharmacokinetics, toxicity and bioavailability are briefly discussed to provide evidence for accelerating its clinical conversion and adoption.
Insights
Andrographolide (Andro) shows promise in treating organ fibrosis by inhibiting key molecular pathways involved in inflammation and scarring. Further research supports its potential as a clinical therapy for fibrotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, leads to organ failure in chronic diseases.
- Current therapies for fibrosis are limited despite advances in understanding its molecular basis.
- Andrographolide (Andro), derived from Andrographis paniculata, exhibits diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antifibrotic effects of Andrographolide (Andro) across various organs.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Andro's antifibrotic activity.
- To assess Andro's potential for clinical application in treating fibrotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of findings from in vitro and in vivo studies on Andro's antifibrotic effects.
- Analysis of Andro's impact on key signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β/SMAD, MAPK, Nrf2, NF-κB).
- Review of studies examining Andro's effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation, and collagen deposition.
Main Results:
- Andro demonstrates significant antifibrotic activity in various tissue and cell models.
- Andro inhibits inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibroblast activation, key drivers of fibrosis.
- Evidence suggests Andro modulates crucial signaling pathways involved in fibrotic processes.
Conclusions:
- Andrographolide (Andro) exhibits considerable potential as a therapeutic agent for organ fibrosis.
- Andro's multifaceted mechanism of action targets key fibrotic pathways.
- Further investigation into Andro's pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and bioavailability is warranted to facilitate clinical translation.
