Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Tanshinone IIA in Bone Injury Repair.

Abstract

Tanshinone IIA (T-IIA), a fat-soluble diterpene quinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza, is widely recognized for its multiple pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-tumor effects. Recent studies have highlighted its great potential in treating bone metabolic disorders, especially osteoporosis and bone damage repair. Bone health depends on the dynamic balance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Disruption of this balance can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, which is often diagnosed after a fracture, seriously affecting the quality of life and increasing the medical burden. Early identification of high-risk groups and appropriate treatment are essential for preventing fracture recurrence. Studies have shown that T-IIA can promote osteoblast differentiation and inhibit osteoclast activity, targeting key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin, all of which are closely related to bone metabolism. T-IIA has a dual role in regulating bone formation and bone resorption, making it a potential drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. In addition, T-IIA has neuroprotective, hepatic, renal, cardiac, and cerebral effects, which enhance its therapeutic effect. Despite the remarkable efficacy of T-IIA, its clinical application is limited due to poor solubility and low bioavailability. Recent advances in drug delivery systems, such as liposome formulations and nanocarriers, have improved their pharmacokinetics, increased absorption rate, and bioavailability. Combination therapy with growth factors or stem cells can further enhance its efficacy. Future studies should focus on optimizing the delivery system of T-IIA and exploring its combined application with other therapeutic strategies to expand its clinical application range.