Arctiin Inhibits Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway to Treat Type 2 Diabetic Osteoporosis

Arctiin (ARC), a primary component of burdock (Arctium lappa L.), is widely recognized as a traditional herb and nutritional supplement in Asia. This study set out to explore its potential impact on type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP). MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to a high-glucose environment to simulate diabetic conditions. Treatment with ARC increased the expression of crucial osteogenic transcription factor genes, such as RUNX2, Osterix, and COL1A1. Moreover, ARC mitigated the production of ROS induced by high glucose levels. For in vivo experimentation, db/db mice were used as models for T2DOP. ARC supplementation decreased bone loss and improved bone structural integrity. Collectively, our findings indicate that ARC holds promise as a nutritional intervention for the treatment of T2DOP. By activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, ARC could help counteract oxidative stress and impaired bone differentiation associated with diabetes, thus offering a potential dietary strategy to support bone health. Incorporating ARC-containing foods or supplements into the diet could be a beneficial approach to enhance overall bone quality and potentially reduce the risk of fractures and other bone-related problems in patients with diabetes, highlighting the importance of considering natural compounds for the nutritional management of chronic diseases.