Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Triterpenes are a diverse class of phytochemicals found in many medicinal plants, with some compounds—such as glycyrrhizin (from licorice root) and ursolic acid—having documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There is a growing body of preclinical research suggesting that certain triterpenes may have therapeutic potential in chronic respiratory diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In vitro and animal studies have shown that triterpenes can inhibit inflammatory mediators, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses relevant to the pathogenesis of COPD. For instance, studies on glycyrrhizin have demonstrated reduced airway inflammation and improved lung function in animal models of COPD. Similarly, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid have been observed to attenuate emphysema and airway remodeling in experimental settings.

However, clinical evidence in humans remains very limited. There are few, if any, high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating purified triterpenes or triterpene-rich extracts specifically in COPD patients. Most available data are from preclinical experiments, and it is unclear whether these findings can be translated to effective or safe use in humans with COPD. Therefore, while a scientific rationale exists and early evidence is promising, the overall evidence supporting the use of triterpenes in COPD is weak and primarily based on laboratory and animal research rather than established clinical practice.

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