Research Progress in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis Using Chinese Medicinal Herb Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP), a common bone metabolic disease in clinical practice, imposes a heavy burden on families and society due to the fragility fractures it causes. With the advent of an aging society, the prevention and treatment of OP has become a significant challenge worldwide. Currently, the treatment of OP primarily focuses on promoting bone formation and reducing bone loss. While these therapeutic approaches have clear goals and notable effects, they are still accompanied by certain toxic side effects. With the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in OP prevention and treatment, the therapeutic targets and mechanisms of action of TCM and its active ingredients are gradually gaining recognition. The traditional Chinese medicine Eucommia ulmoides (Du Zhong) and its prescriptions have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinically preventing and treating OP. In recent years, research on the anti-OP effects of Eucommia ulmoides and its active ingredients has become a hot topic, and their effectiveness has been confirmed. This article systematically reviews the research on Eucommia ulmoides extract, total lignans, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and their prescriptions, aiming to provide new perspectives for TCM in the field of OP prevention and treatment.