Review on the protective activity of osthole against the pathogenesis of osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP), characterized by continuous bone loss and increased fracture risk, has posed a challenge to patients and society. Long-term administration of current pharmacological agents may cause severe side effects. Traditional medicines, acting as alternative agents, show promise in treating OP. Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative separated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson and Angelica pubescens Maxim. f., exhibits protective effects against the pathological development of OP. Osthole increases osteoblast-related bone formation and decreases osteoclast-related bone resorption, suppressing OP-related fragility fracture. In addition, the metabolites of osthole may exhibit pharmacological effectiveness against OP development. Mechanically, osthole promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and BMP-2/Smad1/5/8 signaling pathways and suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity. Thus, osthole may become a promising agent to protect against OP development. However, more studies should be performed due to, at least in part, the uncertainty of drug targets. Further pharmacological investigation of osthole in OP treatment might lead to the development of potential drug candidates.

Liuwei Dihuang Pills Enhance Osteogenic Differentiation in MC3T3-E1 Cells through the Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

“…Osteoporosis (OP) is a common systemic metabolic disorder affecting bone health, characterized by a decrease in bone density, loss of bone mass, and deterioration of the bone microstructure. These factors collectively result in diminished bone strength and an elevated susceptibility to fragile bone fractures [ 1 , 2 ]. The most serious complication of OP is osteoporotic fracture, which primarily occurs in the thoracolumbar vertebrae, hip, and distal radius [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Coumarin Derivatives: The Influence of Cycloalkyl Groups at the C-3 Position on Intermolecular Interactions—Synthesis, Structure and Spectroscopy

“…Auraptene, a prenylated coumarin found in citrus peels, is particularly noted for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties [19,20]. Osthole is derived from plants such as Cnidium monnieri and is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and liver-protective properties [21][22][23]. Imperatorin, on the other hand, found in Angelica species, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial vasorelaxant effects [24].…”