In accordance with the results of our study, the expression levels of TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 in COPD rats can be significantly reduced after Alpinetin treatment, and the activity of downstream Caspase‐3 and Caspase‐9 can be effectively reduced, so as to inhibit the occurrence of alveolar cell apoptosis. Here, TNF is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.