Therapeutic potential of saponins for allergic rhinitis: Molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives (Review)

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, often a comorbid condition with asthma, posing notable challenges for treatment. Current therapies, including corticosteroids and antihistamines, primarily target nasal symptoms but exhibit limited efficacy against concurrent asthma and systemic inflammation. Saponins, a class of bioactive plant‑derived compounds, have garnered attention for their pleiotropic effects, including immunomodulation, anti‑inflammatory activity and antioxidant properties. Saponins, such as ginsenosides, notoginsenosides, astragalosides, saikosaponins and platycodins, modulate key molecular pathways in AR, including T helper 1/2 cell balance, mast cell stabilization and NF‑κB signaling. Their multi‑target action and low toxicity profile give them advantages such as metabolic compatibility, reduced polypharmacy risks and mucosal protection. The present review highlighted the mechanistic insights into saponin‑mediated alleviation of AR and asthma, focusing on their molecular targets, signaling pathways and potential for clinical translation. The present review also discussed current limitations and future directions for the development of saponin‑based therapeutics, providing a potential foundation for novel strategies in allergic airway diseases in the future.