Research Progress on Signaling Pathways Involved in Treating Osteoporosis with Isopsoralen

Abstract: Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic disease characterized by decreased bone mass, impaired bone structure, and increased fracture risk due to an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. OP has become a major public health challenge as the global elderly population increases. Isopsoralen (IPRN), the main active component of the natural flavonoid psoralen, has gained attention in recent years for its potential utility in the prevention and treatment of OP. The purpose of this review is to explore the mechanism of IPRN in the prevention and treatment of OP and summarize that IPRN interferes with the occurrence and development of OP mainly through five signaling pathways, namely Wnt/β-catein, PI3K/AKT, OPG/RANKL/RANK, estrogen- like effect, and Notch signaling pathway. These findings not only contribute to the development of new anti-OP drugs but also may provide new ideas and methods for existing treatment regimens, so as to prevent and treat OP more effectively and improve the quality of life of patients.