Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling, osmotic lysis, and the release of immunostimulatory components, playing a role in various pathological processes. It involves the formation of inflammasomes, maturation of inflammatory caspases, and caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin proteins. While pyroptosis can contribute to inflammatory diseases like sepsis, it also has potential therapeutic applications in anti-tumor therapy. This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding pyroptosis, including its molecular mechanisms, regulatory functions, and therapeutic strategies. It discusses the role of pyroptosis in health and disease, highlighting its involvement in various conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases, and kidney diseases. The review also explores the potential of small molecule inhibitors and traditional medicines in regulating pyroptosis, as well as the clinical implications and future directions of pyroptosis research. Key findings include the involvement of gasdermin proteins in pyroptosis, the regulation of pyroptosis by different pathways, and the impact of pyroptosis on disease progression and treatment outcomes. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding pyroptosis for further research and clinical translation.Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling, osmotic lysis, and the release of immunostimulatory components, playing a role in various pathological processes. It involves the formation of inflammasomes, maturation of inflammatory caspases, and caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin proteins. While pyroptosis can contribute to inflammatory diseases like sepsis, it also has potential therapeutic applications in anti-tumor therapy. This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding pyroptosis, including its molecular mechanisms, regulatory functions, and therapeutic strategies. It discusses the role of pyroptosis in health and disease, highlighting its involvement in various conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases, and kidney diseases. The review also explores the potential of small molecule inhibitors and traditional medicines in regulating pyroptosis, as well as the clinical implications and future directions of pyroptosis research. Key findings include the involvement of gasdermin proteins in pyroptosis, the regulation of pyroptosis by different pathways, and the impact of pyroptosis on disease progression and treatment outcomes. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding pyroptosis for further research and clinical translation.