Macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases. Macrophages can polarize into M1-like (pro-inflammatory) or M2-like (anti-inflammatory) macrophages, which are critical for maintaining homeostasis. M1 macrophages promote inflammation, while M2 macrophages suppress it. Imbalance between these macrophages can lead to various diseases. This review summarizes the role of macrophage polarization in inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases (RA, EAE, MS, AIH, IBD), allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, allergic asthma), atherosclerosis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It also discusses compounds and drugs that target macrophage polarization for treatment. Macrophage polarization is a key factor in autoimmune diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), M1-like macrophages contribute to inflammation, while M2-like macrophages help in tissue repair. In multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), macrophage polarization influences disease progression. In autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), macrophages play a role in liver inflammation and disease progression. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), macrophage polarization affects disease severity and treatment outcomes. In atherosclerosis, M1-like macrophages contribute to plaque formation, while M2-like macrophages help in plaque stabilization. Macrophage polarization is also involved in allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, and allergic asthma. In type 2 diabetes and obesity, macrophage polarization is closely linked to metabolic disorders. M1-like macrophages are associated with insulin resistance and inflammation, while M2-like macrophages may help in tissue repair and glucose regulation. Targeting macrophage polarization offers potential therapeutic strategies for various inflammatory diseases. Drugs and compounds that modulate macrophage polarization are being explored for their ability to alleviate or cure diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of macrophage polarization and its role in disease progression is essential for developing effective treatments. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between macrophage polarization and inflammatory diseases.Macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases. Macrophages can polarize into M1-like (pro-inflammatory) or M2-like (anti-inflammatory) macrophages, which are critical for maintaining homeostasis. M1 macrophages promote inflammation, while M2 macrophages suppress it. Imbalance between these macrophages can lead to various diseases. This review summarizes the role of macrophage polarization in inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases (RA, EAE, MS, AIH, IBD), allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, allergic asthma), atherosclerosis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It also discusses compounds and drugs that target macrophage polarization for treatment. Macrophage polarization is a key factor in autoimmune diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), M1-like macrophages contribute to inflammation, while M2-like macrophages help in tissue repair. In multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), macrophage polarization influences disease progression. In autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), macrophages play a role in liver inflammation and disease progression. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), macrophage polarization affects disease severity and treatment outcomes. In atherosclerosis, M1-like macrophages contribute to plaque formation, while M2-like macrophages help in plaque stabilization. Macrophage polarization is also involved in allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, and allergic asthma. In type 2 diabetes and obesity, macrophage polarization is closely linked to metabolic disorders. M1-like macrophages are associated with insulin resistance and inflammation, while M2-like macrophages may help in tissue repair and glucose regulation. Targeting macrophage polarization offers potential therapeutic strategies for various inflammatory diseases. Drugs and compounds that modulate macrophage polarization are being explored for their ability to alleviate or cure diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of macrophage polarization and its role in disease progression is essential for developing effective treatments. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between macrophage polarization and inflammatory diseases.