Submission Tilte
Advancing Therapies for Bone and Joint Diseases: Insights from Natural Products and Herbal Medicines
Submission Abstract:
The aging global population is experiencing an increased risk of bone and joint health issues, notably osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, affecting over half of individuals over 60. Plant-based natural products and herbal medicines are gaining recognition as alternative therapies for these conditions, with secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, coumarins, and others, playing a pivotal role in their pharmacological activity.
For example, salicylic acid, a COX-2 inhibitor, was the first natural substance employed as a therapeutic intervention for osteoarthritis. Enoylated flavonoids with estrogen-like activity have also piqued the interest of researchers in the treatment of age-related bone and joint degenerative diseases. It is essential to investigate the relationship between metabolites and bone and joint problems. According to recent research, various classical signaling pathways, such as the NF-B pathway, MAPK pathway, TLR pathway, Wnt/-catenin pathway, TGF, and Notch pathway, are involved in the regulation of these conditions, and key factors within these pathways may be potential targets for novel drugs.
The objective of this Thematic Issue is to demonstrate relevant standardized protocols, with a particular focus on: Evaluating the pharmacological activity of plant-based traditional medicine in vivo and in vitro for the treatment of age-related bone and joint degenerative diseases; Identifying and extracting key ingredients with pharmacological activity against bone and joint diseases; Clinical intervention using secondary metabolites with medicinal activity or herbal medicine; Toxicological evaluation of secondary metabolites in relation to bone and joint diseases. We also welcome evidence-based research on plant-based traditional medicine.