Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 08, 2026 1 hour, 32 minutes ago
Medical News: A Growing Global Lung Health Crisis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing progressively more difficult. It affects hundreds of millions worldwide and is already one of the leading causes of death. Current treatments mainly ease symptoms and slow progression, but they do not fully stop lung damage. This has pushed scientists to search for new, safer, and more effective treatment strategies that can work on multiple disease pathways at the same time.
Natural compounds from marine green algae may one day help slow lung damage and inflammation in COPD patients
Researchers Turn to Marine Green Algae
In a new study, scientists explored the medicinal potential of Cladophora glomerata, a common green algae found in oceans and coastal waters. This algae is already known to contain natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The research team investigated whether chemicals derived from this algae could target the complex biological processes involved in COPD.
The researchers involved in this study were from the Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
How the Study Was Conducted
Using advanced computer-based techniques, the scientists combined network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. First, they identified thousands of genes linked to COPD from major genetic databases. They then compared these with predicted molecular targets of compounds found in Cladophora glomerata. This
Medical News report highlights that nine key genes overlapped, suggesting possible points where algae-derived compounds could influence the disease.
Key Genes Linked to Lung Damage and Repair
Further analysis revealed that two genes stood out as especially important: EGFR and TP53. EGFR plays a major role in airway inflammation, mucus buildup, and structural changes in the lungs, all of which worsen breathing problems in COPD. TP53, often called the “guardian of the cell,” helps regulate cell repair, cell death, and responses to oxidative stress, which is a major driver of lung tissue damage in smokers and COPD patients.
Promising Molecular Interactions Identified
The researchers then tested how strongly specific algae-derived compounds could bind to these key proteins. Two compounds showed particularly strong binding, suggesting they may be able to interfere with harmful COPD-related pathways. These interactions were stable and occurred at biologically important regions of the proteins, indicating potential to reduce inflammation, limit abnormal cell growth, and protect lung tissue from further damage.
Why These Findings Matter
Unlike single-target drugs, natural compounds from Cladophora glomerata appear c
apable of acting on multiple disease mechanisms at once. This multi-target approach is especially important for complex conditions like COPD, which involve inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway remodeling all at the same time.
Conclusion
Overall, the study provides strong early evidence that compounds derived from Cladophora glomerata could one day contribute to new COPD therapies. By targeting both EGFR and TP53, these natural molecules may help reduce inflammation, protect lung cells, and slow disease progression. However, since the research was based on computer modeling, laboratory and human studies are still needed to confirm safety and real-world effectiveness before any clinical use can be considered.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/4/1619
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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