Therapeutic potential of natural products from Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic bone disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Despite the widespread use of classic medicines such as parathyroid hormone and bisphosphonate in clinical practice, their adverse effects continue to be a major concern. Consequently, the exploration of safe and effective therapeutic agents derived from botanical drugs has emerged as a key research focus. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable therapeutic modality for osteoporosis, attributed to its abundant botanical resources, multi-target modulatory effects, and favorable safety and effectiveness validated by long-term clinical practice. In recent years, natural products from TCM have gained increasing attention for their potential in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the diverse classes of metabolites currently investigated for OP management, along with their underlying mechanisms of action. By elucidating the pharmacological mechanisms of these bioactive metabolites, this study aims to provide a reference for evaluating their potential as alternative or adjunctive therapeutic strategies in osteoporosis management.