Osteoprotective potential of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., traditionally used in Chinese medicine for strengthening muscles and bones. E. ulmoides extracts and bioactive compounds such as aucubin, geniposide, geniposidic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin were associated with improved bone formation, reduced osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, protection of cartilage, and suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress. The evidence indicates that E. ulmoides can support osteoblast differentiation through pathways including BMP-2/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin, while limiting osteoclast activity through pathways such as PI3K/Akt and NF-κB; its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects also involve regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, Nrf2/HO-1, and related signaling. In animal models of osteoporosis, formulations containing E. ulmoides improved bone mineral density, trabecular thickness and number, bone microarchitecture, and fracture repair, while studies of osteoarthritis reported reduced inflammatory mediators and better cartilage protection. E. ulmoides has considerable potential maintaining bone health and addressing osteoporosis- and osteoarthritis-related changes.
Source : https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1601537/full
