Synergistic Effects of Herbal Bioactive Compounds and Growth Factors on Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract:

Repairing large bone defects is still not an easy task and is considered an important challenge in regenerative medicine and maxillofacial surgery. The methods that currently exist each have their own limitations. Bone grafting from the patient’s own body is known as the best method, but it is not always possible. This is because the donor site may get damaged, the amount of bone that can be taken is limited, and the surgery itself is complicated. In recent years, stem cells that are isolated from dental tissues have received a lot of attention. These cells proliferate quickly, have the ability to turn into different types of cells, and can even modulate immune responses. Because of this, they are considered a good option for bone regeneration. Alongside the use of stem cells, plant‑derived bioactive compounds have also become important. These compounds are natural, biocompatible, and can influence major cellular pathways that play roles in bone formation. This article discusses the simultaneous use of plant compounds and growth factors to enhance the bone‑forming ability of dental stem cells. Compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids can activate key signaling pathways like Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Wingless-related integration site /Beta-catenin (Wnt/β‑catenin), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (Akt) (PI3K/Akt). This activation improves the bone‑formation process and also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. When these plant compounds are used together with growth factors, their effect becomes stronger. Growth factors such as BMP, IGF, and FGF play important roles in regulating cell growth and differentiation, and combining them with plant compounds leads to better cellular responses. In this way, there is no longer a need to use high doses of growth factors. Generally, the simultaneous use of plant compounds and growth factors can be a promising and practical method for the future of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.