Advancements in Osteoarthritis Treatment: The Potential of Natural Herbs in Reducing Inflammation and Cartilage Degeneration

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic low-grade inflammatory and degenerative disease involving the destruction of joint structures. Its pathogenesis involves multiple factors such as inflammatory responses, cartilage metabolic disorders, and abnormal mechanical stress. Current pharmacological interventions primarily offer symptomatic relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whereas commonly used, do not arrest disease progression and are associated with potential cardiovascular and renal adverse effects when used long-term. Historically, natural herbs have been employed in the management of OA for millennia and are increasingly recognized as promising candidates for the development of disease-modifying therapies. This review provides a systematic overview of the research advancements concerning 14 natural herbs in the context of OA treatment. It highlights the capacity of these herbal medicines to concurrently influence pathways associated with inflammation and cartilage metabolism. The bioactive constituents of these herbs are classified based on structural characteristics into categories such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Importantly, the review identifies mechanistic similarities among compounds within the same category. Additionally, it addresses studies related to the organ toxicity of these natural herbs, with the objective of offering insights into strategies for mitigating the progression of OA.