Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for inflammatory bone diseases: Elucidating molecular mechanisms and insights.

Abstract

Inflammatory bone diseases constitute a category of chronic inflammatory disorders, with the primary pathological characteristic being the impact of chronic inflammation on bone metabolism and remodeling. It leads to pain, spinal joint deformities, and functional impairments. Common clinical types of inflammatory bone diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis. However, there is a paucity of effective clinical treatments for inflammatory bone diseases, and pharmacological interventions are frequently associated with intolerable side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long-standing history and proven efficacy in managing inflammatory bone diseases. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the potential of TCM in this context. This article systematically evaluates the application of TCM in treating inflammatory bone diseases, emphasizing the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects. By elucidating the specific targets of TCM in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis, we aim to provide novel insights into the further exploration of TCM's role in clinical application for inflammatory bone diseases.