Cell & Developmental Biology
Open Access

Abstract

Cilia Function as a Target for Respiratory Diseases and TCM

Shuai Li and Qingqing Wang

Cilia in the lungs have a primary role in many respiratory diseases. Disruption of ciliated epithelial cell functions results in excess mucus in the airways, termed watery phlegm according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory. Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription to treat respiratory diseases caused by watery phlegm attenuate cilia shortening, aid the clearance of ciliated epithelial cells and reduce excess mucus in the airways. Further studies are required to determine the role and mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine decoction and its analogous formulae and this might help develop new drugs for the treatment of respiratory diseases.