Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products Against Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma: From Sensitization to Chronic
Xuesong Zhang1, Wenchu Zhou2, Jie Zhang2
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin 150040, China.
Abstract:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma are chronic airway inflammatory diseases characterized by three phases: sensitization, acute exacerbation, and chronic remodeling. While conventional antiallergic drugs provide symptomatic relief, they often face limitations including drug resistance, side effects, and inability to reverse chronic airway remodeling. Natural products have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives due to their multi-target effects and safety profiles. This review systematically summarizes natural small molecules targeting distinct pathological mechanisms across the three phases of AR and asthma, introducing a chronopharmacological perspective for stage-specific therapeutic strategies. During sensitization, flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, baicalin) and polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol) target the epithelial-dendritic cell axis by suppressing alarmin release and blocking dendritic cell maturation. In acute exacerbation, flavonoids (hispidulin, quercetin) and isoquinoline alkaloids (coptisine) exhibit rapid intervention through mast cell stabilization and neurogenic inflammation suppression. In chronic remodeling, stilbenes (resveratrol) and flavones (baicalin, baicalein) reverse established structural changes through TGF-β1/Smad, PTEN/PI3K/AKT, and PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β pathways. Mapping natural compounds to specific disease stages provides a molecular basis for precision medicine approaches.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma I: Introduction

