The Skeletal Effects of Tanshinones: A Review

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis results from excessive bone resorption and reduced bone formation, triggered by sex hormone deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation. Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic phenanthrene compounds found in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its anti-osteoporosis effects. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the skeletal beneficial effects of tanshinones. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2021 using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science from the inception of these databases. Original studies reporting the effects of tanshinones on bone through cell cultures, animal models and human clinical trials were considered. Results: The literature search found 158 unique articles on this topic, but only 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The available evidence showed that tanshinones promoted osteoblastogenesis and bone formation while reducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Conclusions: Tanshinones modulates bone remodelling by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis and stimulating osteoblastogenesis. Therefore, it might complement existing strategies to prevent bone loss.

Research Progress on Regulation of Immune Response by Tanshinones and Salvianolic Acids of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge)

“…The study confirmed that tanshinones can exert bone remodeling and bone protective effects by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis/bone resorption and promoting osteoblastogenesis/bone formation [70]. Tanshinones isolated from Danshen were able to ameliorate peroxidative damage, adjust the level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA), and inhibit the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α, thus attenuating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [71].…”

To Explore the Herbal Combinations and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Yourong Huang in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology

“…24,26 Codonopsis Radix (Danshen) is a common hemorheological medicine containing tanshinone, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and excellent efficacy in removing blood stasis, relieving pain, and improving microcirculation and blood flow to injured spinal cord tissues. 25,27 All the TCM in the prescription can be used in tandem to address both symptoms and root problems. To stimulate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and dispel wind and dehumidify, the liver, spleen, and kidney can be replanted concurrently.…”

“…In contrast, the combination of Chaenomeles speciosa (Mugua) reduces wind and moisture while treating the tip simultaneously. Studies have shown that, 24–28 Chaenomeles Speciosa (Mugua), Codonopsis Radix (Danshen), and turmeric (Jianghuang) all serve major anti-inflammatory roles. Chaenomeles speciosa (Mugua) has been widely employed in the clinical treatment of inflammatory illnesses.…”

A Review on the Enhancement of Calcium Phosphate Cement with Biological Materials in Bone Defect Healing

“…Several recommendations for future studies are suggested. Firstly, various plant extracts and their isolated bioactive compounds have been extensively demonstrated by researchers to exert potent bone-protecting properties [ 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 ], which could be introduced into CPC to improve its physical, mechanical, and osteogenic effects. Secondly, a three-dimensional osteoblast-osteoclast co-culture system mimicking the skeletal microenvironment in humans could be used to investigate the properties of CPC after the reinforcement using biological materials [ 91 , 92 ].…”