A Review of the Mechanisms, Biological Basis, and Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations in Regulating Organ Function to Alleviate Osteoporosis

The occurrence and development of osteoporosis (OP) are closely related to the activity and metabolism of osteoblasts (OB) and osteoclasts (OC), which are significantly influenced by endocrine levels in the body. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) explains these processes through the theory of organ interconnection, suggesting that regulating the functions of the liver, spleen, and kidneys can influence hormone secretion, thereby alleviating OP symptoms. This concept forms the theoretical basis for the use of herbal medicines in OP treatment. In brief, the mechanism of action of the active components of TCM starts with their absorption through oral administration. Then, they act on metabolic organs and regulate multiple related target points, thereby influencing the synthesis and metabolic pathways of hormones and/or other endogenous substances associated with OP. Subsequently, they alter the activity of OB and OC as well as their autophagy processes. In this review, we summarize and evaluate the oral TCM used to alleviate OP, their mechanism of action, and pharmacodynamic research. We also discuss the biological associations between organ function and the effects of TCM on endocrine processes (hormones and metabolites). We evaluate the scientific validity, efficacy, advantages, and unique features of the organ- regulating treatment of OP by TCM.