The phytochemical Ophiopogonin D from Ophiopogon Japonicus shows promise in combating acute lung injury
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 19, 2025 3 hours, 14 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers from Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College in China have discovered that Ophiopogonin D (OD), a phytochemical compound derived from the traditional medicinal plant Ophiopogon japonicus, may offer protective effects against acute lung injury (ALI).
The phytochemical Ophiopogonin D from Ophiopogon Japonicus shows promise in
combating acute lung injury
Understanding acute lung injury
Acute lung injury is a serious condition characterized by widespread inflammation and damage to lung tissues, leading to severe respiratory distress. This condition can result from various factors, including infections like COVID-19, trauma, or inhalation of harmful substances. Currently, treatment options are limited, focusing mainly on supportive care. Therefore, finding effective therapies is crucial.
The role of Ophiopogonin D
Ophiopogonin D is a natural compound extracted from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus, a plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, OD has been the subject of recent research to explore its potential therapeutic benefits.
Key findings of the study
In this
Medical News report, the research team conducted experiments using mouse models to induce acute lung injury through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, a component known to trigger strong immune responses. They observed that treatment with OD led to several significant outcomes:
-Reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress: Mice treated with OD showed decreased levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in lung tissues compared to untreated mice.
-Decrease in macrophage activity: OD significantly reduced the number of monocytes and macrophages (types of white blood cells involved in inflammation) in the peritoneal cavity after ALI induction.
-Inhibition of ferroptosis: Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death associated with iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. OD treatment was found to reduce ferroptosis in macrophages, thereby protecting lung tissue from further damage.
-Activation of USP25: The study revealed that OD enhances the activity of USP25, a protein significantly expressed in macrophages of COVID-19 patients. This activation leads to the suppression of the Rac1/NOX1-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway, reducing mitochondrial damage in macrophages.
Implications for future therapies
The findings suggest that OD may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for treating acute lung injury by targeting specific cellular pathways to reduce inflammation and cell death. By inhibiting the Rac1/NOX1 complex and activating USP25, OD helps in mitigating the damaging effects of excessive ROS production and ferroptosis in macrophages.
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Conclusion
This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Ophiopogonin D in managing acute lung injury. By reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in lung tissues, OD offers a promising avenue for developing effective treatments for ALI. Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings and to establish safe and effective dosing protocols for human applications.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed America Journal of Chinese Medicine.
https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/full/10.1142/S0192415X25500193
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