European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are formed in the lungs either spontaneously or as a result of the insult due to cigarette smokes. These AGEs have deleterious effects due to their pro oxidant and inflammatory actions. The AGEs can interact with the receptor for AGE, called RAGE, triggering various kinase pathways that activate transcription factor NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B). This, in turn, leads to the production of several inflammatory substances and promoters. Impeding the formation of AGEs and inhibiting the AGE-RAGE axis can prove beneficial in down regulating the inflammatory process, leading to favourable outcomes. Asafoetida and liquorice are two such herbs that can significantly impede the AGE-RAGE-NF-κBaxis, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These herbs have the potential to improve symptoms and lung function in patients suffering from this condition.