Protective effects of natural products against lung damage caused by fine particulate matter.

A growing body of evidence consistently highlights the substantial risks associated with both acute and chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which significantly increasing the incidence of neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Given that lung health is a critical determinant of overall human well-being, it remains a central focus of medical research. This review investigates the association between PM2.5 exposure and various forms of lung damage, employing both epidemiological and clinical perspectives. Furthermore, the review delves into the molecular mechanisms driving PM2.5-induced lung damage from a toxicological standpoint, with particular attention to oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic modification pathways. A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could effectively mitigate lung injury, thereby offering promising therapeutic options. This study offers key information into the pathophysiology of PM2.5-related pulmonary diseases and lays the foundation for the development of natural product-based interventions to mitigate lung damage.