Potential Advantages of Bioactive Compounds Extracted From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Inhibit Bone Destructions in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Bone destruction is an important pathological feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which finally leads to the serious decline of life quality in RA patients. Bone metabolism imbalance is the principal factor of bone destruction in RA, which is manifested by excessive osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and inadequate osteoblast-mediated bone formation. Although current drugs alleviate the process of bone destruction to a certain extent, there are still many deficiencies. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could effectively suppress bone destruction of RA. Some bioactive compounds from TCM have shown good effect on inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and promoting osteoblast proliferation. This article reviews the research progress of bioactive compounds exacted from TCM in inhibiting bone destruction of RA, so as to provide references for further clinical and scientific research.

An Integrative Pharmacology Model for Decoding the Underlying Therapeutic Mechanisms of Ermiao Powder for Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…As a chronic and systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease ( Scott et al, 2010 ; Wasserman 2011 ; Smolen et al, 2017 ), the multiple factors contributing to RA and its complex pathogenesis bring challenges for therapeutic interventions. TCM has evident advantages in treating complex diseases, such as multi-target and multicomponent treatment ( Wang L. et al, 2020 ; Shi et al, 2020 ; Yang et al, 2021 ). EMP is comprised of PAR and ALD, which have been widely applied in the treatment of rheumatic diseases ( Resch et al, 1998 ; Kim et al, 2011 ; Xian et al, 2011 ; Tang et al, 2018 ; Wan 2018 ; Zhang et al, 2018 ; Li et al, 2020 ; Zhang et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of development, and it has accumulated a large number of theories and rich clinical experience. TCM can effectively treat RA with high safety and few adverse effects ( Shi et al, 2020 ). Increasing studies about RA have paid attention to the effects of TCM on the treatment of RA, and more and more evidence confirms that a variety of TCM formulas can have effective treatment on RA ( Wang et al, 2011 ; Zhang et al, 2015 ; Guo et al, 2016 ; Cheng et al, 2017 ; Guo et al, 2017 ; Wang et al, 2018 ; Wang et al 2020a ; Wang et al 2020b ; Liu et al, 2020 ), such as Ermiao Powder (EMP) ( Li et al, 2020 ), Danggui-Sini-decoction ( Cheng et al, 2017 ; Wang L. et al, 2020 ), Huangqi-Guizhi Wuwu-Decoction ( Wang et al, 2020a ; Wang et al, 2020b ; Liu et al, 2020 ), Bi-Qi capsule ( Wang et al, 2011 ; Wang et al, 2018 ), Wu-Tou Decoction ( Zhang et al, 2015 ; Guo et al, 2017 ), and Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu ( Guo et al, 2016 ).…”

Isopsoralen ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting MIF

“…Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been applied to treat chronic inflammatory diseases and shows efficacy in RA [ 9 , 10 ]. In recent years, numerous studies have been carried out to study the anti-RA effect of ingredients from TCM [ 11 ]. To date, botanical medicines, such as sinomenine [ 12 ], tripterygium glycosides [ 13 ], and total glucosides of peony [ 14 ], have been developed and applied as alternative treatments for RA.…”

Curculigoside promotes osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs to prevent ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis

“…Bone strength in osteoporosis patients is decreased, and the bones are prone to fracture [ 8 ]. Therefore, seeking suitable drugs to promote osteoblastic bone formation or inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption has very important practical significance for the treatment of osteoporosis [ 9 ].…”