Bioactive Compounds in Osteoarthritis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Roles

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 30;25(21):11656. doi: 10.3390/ijms252111656.

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common and debilitating form of arthritis. Current therapies focus on pain relief and efforts to slow disease progression through a combination of drug and non-drug treatments. Bioactive compounds derived from plants show significant promise due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-protective properties. These natural compounds can help regulate the inflammatory processes and metabolic pathways involved in OA, thereby alleviating symptoms and potentially slowing disease progression. Investigating the efficacy of these natural agents in treating osteoarthritis addresses a growing demand for natural health solutions and creates new opportunities for managing this increasingly prevalent age-related condition. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the use of some bioactive compounds from plants in modulating the progression of osteoarthritis and alleviating associated pain.

Keywords: Boswellia serrata; Harpagophytum procumbens; Zingiber officinale; avocado/soybean unsaponifiables; bioactive compounds; curcumin; inflammation; joint pain; osteoarthritis; plant extracts; resveratrol; tea extracts.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis* / drug therapy
  • Osteoarthritis* / metabolism
  • Phytochemicals* / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals* / therapeutic use
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Phytochemicals
  • Antioxidants
  • Biological Products
  • Plant Extracts

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.