Mechanism and research progress of improving cartilage injury based on the combination of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and biomaterials

Abstract

Cartilage injuries remain a significant therapeutic challenge due to cartilage’s limited capacity for self-repair. Traditional treatment approaches for cartilage injuries, including surgical interventions, microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation, may alleviate symptoms but frequently present limitations such as surgical trauma, uncertain efficacy, and adverse effects. Active ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, proliferation-promoting, and differentiation-inducing properties, have emerged as a promising research focus for treating cartilage damage. However, clinical applications of TCM have been constrained by factors including low bioavailability, insufficient stability, and limited targeting capabilities. The integration of TCM active ingredients with biomaterials offers novel solutions to these challenges. This article examines the pathological foundations of cartilage injury, the mechanisms through which TCM active ingredients such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenoids, aldehydes, polyphenols, and saponins address cartilage injury, and the therapeutic applications of TCM active ingredients combined with biomaterials. These biomaterial delivery systems encompass gels, nanomaterials, microspheres, and tissue scaffolds. Additionally, this article analyzes the challenges and potential development trajectories for combining TCM active ingredients with biomaterials in cartilage injury treatment, offering new perspectives for therapeutic intervention.

Keywords

Active ingredients of TCM / Cartilage injury / Anti-inflammatory / Biomaterials / Gel / Nanomaterials

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