Research Progress on the Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers on Signaling Pathways Related to Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis

Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are conditions characterized by the synergistic effects of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, leading to the loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, bone density, and bone quality. This condition is marked by a high disability rate, limited diagnostic and therapeutic options, and significant clinical harm. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia and osteoporosis involves diminished differentiation of osteoblasts and myoblasts, as well as enhanced proliferation of osteoclasts. Signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) play crucial roles in promoting the differentiation of osteoblasts and myoblasts while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, thereby contributing to the treatment of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant efficacy in addressing "muscle atrophy" and "bone depletion." Both single herbs and compound formulas can achieve therapeutic effects on sarcopenia and osteoporosis by modulating the expression of these signaling pathways. By summarizing the current research on these signaling pathways and TCM interventions, we aim to provide new insights for the clinical prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and osteoporosis using TCM and offer a foundation for further in-depth studies.