Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 17, 2024 3 hours, 42 minutes ago
Medical News: Postmenopausal osteoporosis has become a major health challenge worldwide, especially for aging women. This condition weakens bones, increasing the likelihood of fractures. Women experience this issue primarily due to a significant drop in estrogen levels, disrupting the balance of bone resorption and formation. Treatments such as bisphosphonates and parathyroid hormones are available but have limitations, including side effects like gastrointestinal problems and osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Herbal Insights for Fighting Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Amid these challenges, researchers have turned to traditional herbal medicine for new solutions. The study explored in this
Medical News focused on identifying herbs that may help manage postmenopausal osteoporosis by targeting its root causes.
The Research and Methodology
Conducted by experts from IntegroMediLab Co., Ltd., Kyung Hee University, Dongguk University, and Wonkwang University in South Korea, this research leveraged a multiscale network and a biased random walk model. Researchers analyzed over 400 herbs and their active ingredients, pinpointing proteins associated with osteoporosis. The study aimed to identify herbs that influence these proteins, prioritizing those with significant therapeutic potential.
Through this advanced approach, the team highlighted ten promising herbs, including well-known candidates like
Sophorae Flos and
Cnidi Fructus, and less-explored options like
Benincasae Semen and
Corydalis Tuber. These findings open new doors for herbal-based treatments.
Key Findings
The study identified herbs with significant effects on key biological processes related to osteoporosis, including inflammation, apoptosis, and estrogen metabolism. Noteworthy highlights include:
-Benincasae Semen: Known for its anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties, it contains active ingredients like rutin, beta-sitosterol, and quercetin. These compounds interact with proteins such as IL6 and TNF, known to play pivotal roles in bone health.
-Corydalis Tuber: Its unique compound, tetrahydrocoptisine, exhibited high potential for reducing bone resorption by targeting pro-inflammatory proteins.
-Glehniae Radix: This herb stood out for its compound falcarindiol, which influences apoptosis and cell proliferation pathways crucial to bone remodeling.
-Houttuyniae Herba: With compounds like norisoboldine and hyperoside, it modulates inflammatory responses and bone cell survival.
The top-ranked herbs also affected critical pathways like AGE-RAGE signaling, a known contributor to bone degeneration. These findings were enriched by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), linking the herbs to essential cellular processes such as osteoclast differentiation and reactive
oxygen species management.
Mechanisms of Action
The multiscale network model illustrated how these herbs interact with biological systems. For instance, rutin, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol from Benincasae Semen were found to influence the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, a crucial regulator of inflammation and apoptosis. Similarly, tetrahydrocoptisine from Corydalis Tuber showed potential in mitigating bone loss by modulating proteins like IL1B and TNF.
These compounds not only reduced inflammation but also supported osteoblast activity, crucial for maintaining bone density. The study demonstrated the herbs’ ability to balance bone resorption and formation, essential for combating osteoporosis.
Promising Applications
This research underscores the untapped potential of traditional herbs in managing osteoporosis. While some herbs, such as Sophorae Flos, have a history of usage, others like Glehniae Radix and Corydalis Tuber represent novel candidates. Their active compounds offer dual benefits: reducing inflammation and promoting bone regeneration.
Additionally, the findings provide a strong foundation for further exploration, potentially leading to the development of safer and more effective therapies for postmenopausal women.
Conclusion
The study highlights the power of combining traditional medicine with modern analytical tools. By identifying herbs like Benincasae Semen and Corydalis Tuber, researchers offer hope for new osteoporosis treatments. The identified herbs not only target inflammation but also influence pathways critical to bone health.
As we delve deeper into herbal-based therapies, it’s clear that these natural compounds hold promise for addressing complex diseases. Future studies may further refine these findings, paving the way for innovative treatments that are both effective and safe.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/22/12322
For the latest on Menopause, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/crushed-flaxseed-a-natural-boost-for-heart-health-in-menopausal-women
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/resveratrol-and-vitamin-c-fight-oxidative-stress-in-postmenopausal-women
Share
Tweet
Share
