New approaches to treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with <i>Colla corii asini</i>

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Its complex etiology involves factors such as smoking, air pollution, genetic susceptibility, and social environment. With the accelerating global aging population and urbanization, the incidence and burden of COPD continue to rise. Current treatment strategies for COPD are relatively conservative, primarily focusing on bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and long-term oxygen therapy. Although these approaches can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression to some extent, they fail to effectively target the underlying mechanisms of the disease, leaving an unmet clinical need for more-effective therapies. This highlights the urgency of developing innovative drugs that are both safe and efficacious to address the challenges in COPD treatment. As a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history, Colla corii asini has garnered significant attention for its diverse pharmacological effects and favorable safety profile. Research has shown that Colla corii asini possesses multiple biological activities, including hematopoiesis, nourishing the lungs, enhancing immunity, anti-infection, antiaging, antitumor, and antifatigue effects. Moreover, it has demonstrated potential in regulating oxidative stress, immune imbalance, and inflammatory responses. Recent evidence suggests that Colla corii asini may play a protective role in lung function through multitarget and multipathway mechanisms. Based on previous research findings, this paper explores the potential therapeutic value of Colla corii asini in COPD treatment by addressing the current clinical management challenges and identifying potential therapeutic targets. It also integrates the pharmacological effects of Colla corii asini into a broader treatment context, providing new perspectives for comprehensive COPD management and laying the theoretical foundation for its modernization and innovative application.