Herbal Bioactives for the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a group of lung disease that mainly affects the interstitium and ultimately results in the inflammation and damaging to the lung tissues [1]. The tissues present around the air sacs are called interstitium. Because of the thickening and scarring, lung tissues become damaged, and make it difficult to work. The scarring gets worse by the time which makes it difficult to breathe and keep the optimum levels of oxygen in the bloodstream. This affects the functioning of the vital organs as they are slowly depriving off oxygen. This disease is characterised by destruction of alveoli along with abnormal accumulation of fibroblasts giving the lungs a “honeycomb” like structure. Generally, this disease is more common in men over 50 years of age and two-thirds are diagnosed after 60 years of age [2]. Approximately 50,000 new cases of IPF are diagnosed each year and the symptoms came first into notice between the age of 50 and 70 years. Earlier the symptoms begin with the shortening of breathe but by the time this condition gets worse by eating or talking. At present, in the USA more than 80,000 adults are suffering from this disease and more than 30,000 cases are diagnosed every year [3]. Here the term “idiopathic” is used because the exact cause of scarring of tissues cannot be figured out (Fig. 15.1).