The Role of Herbal Medicine in Modulating Bone Homeostasis

Overview

Journal Curr Top Med Chem

Publisher Bentham Science Publishers

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2024 Feb 9

PMID 38333981

Authors

Xinnan Cheng

Shanshan Jin

Mingzhe Feng

Yunfeng Miao

Qi Dong

Baorong He

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Osteoporosis and other bone diseases are a major public health concern worldwide. Current pharmaceutical treatments for bone disorders have limitations, driving interest in complementary herbal medicines that can help maintain bone health. This review summarizes the scientific evidence for medicinal herbs that modulate bone cell activity and improve bone mass, quality and strength. Herbs with osteogenic, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-osteoclastic effects are discussed, including compounds and mechanisms of action. Additionally, this review examines the challenges and future directions for translational research on herbal medicines for osteoporosis and bone health. While preliminary research indicates beneficial bone bioactivities for various herbs, rigorous clinical trials are still needed to verify therapeutic efficacy and safety. Further studies should also elucidate synergistic combinations, bioavailability of active phytochemicals, and precision approaches to match optimal herbs with specific etiologies of bone disease. Advancing evidence- based herbal medicines may provide novel alternatives for promoting bone homeostasis and treating skeletal disorders.

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