Editorial: Bone aging and osteoporosis: recent evidence focusing on plant-based natural products

in clinical practice. Therefore, we proposed to summarize the research on this topic to promote further discovery and research on plant natural products, and to promote the clinical application of plant-derived natural products. A total of 13 studies were included in this review, and these studies mainly presented the research progress and development of single plant medicines, monomeric compositions, and Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of bone aging-related diseases. The types of articles on this topic were mainly reviews, which can help us better understand the widespread progress of plant-derived natural products in the treatment of bone aging. In addition, we propose that more attention should be given to clinical research and mechanistic explorations of natural plant products.Basic research is key for promoting the application of natural plant products in the clinical treatment of bone aging and OP. A total of three basic research studies will be discussed. Jie et al. identified palmatine (PAL) as the main active ingredient of ErXian decoction by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and network pharmacology screening and explored the therapeutic effect of PAL in the treatment of OP and osteoarthritis (OA) comorbidities in rats. Their results indicated that PAL can significantly improve the femoral microstructure and alleviate cartilage damage in OA-OP rats, and its mechanism of action may regulate the gut microbiome and serum metabolites to alleviate bone aging in OA-OP patients. Aconine has anti-inflammatory and analgesic pharmacological effects, but it must be used with caution due to its toxicity, and this limitation needs to be emphasized. Xue et al. reported that aconine can effectively reduce vertebral bone loss and restore the high level of bone turnover markers in ovariectomized mice. These authors further confirmed that aconitine can reduce the expression of the osteoclast-specific genes NFATc1, c-Fos, Cathepsin K, and Mmp9, thereby significantly inhibiting the occurrence of osteoclasts. The mechanism of action of aconitine may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated ferroptosis and the formation of Evidence-based medicine is an indispensable part of clinical decision-making.The application of natural plant products from the laboratory into clinical practice requires a large amount of evidence-based data. Zhao et al. used quantitative data analysis methods to evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol in treating OP model rats. This meta-analysis included 15 animal experiments and evaluated multiple indicators, including bone density and serum marker levels. In this study, they found that resveratrol can increase bone density, improve bone microstructure, and regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism in OP model rats. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound that has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects in multiple pharmacological studies (3,4). Undoubtedly, Zhao et al.'s research provides reliable evidence for the use of resveratrol in the treatment of OP, which will promote its clinical application. Osteoporosis compression fracture, which is a common complication of OP, is a substantial economic and medical burden.The prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures cannot be ignored in public health. Fu et al. conducted a meta-analysis and confirmed that the Jintiange capsule has good safety and efficacy in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Specifically, Jintiange capsules can increase bone density, alleviate pain, and reduce the incidence of adverse events. The evidence provided by Fu et al. will further promote the clinical application of Jintiange capsules in the treatment of OVCFs.A total of 8 descriptive reviews will be summarized to help readers Chinese medicine. The publication of guidelines will promote the standardization of clinical practice. We hope that these guidelines can provide scientific and effective guidance for the treatment of KOA and that the herbal therapies included in these guidelines will be thoroughly validated in a wider range of clinical applications. In summary, multiple studies have investigated the use of plant-based natural products for the treatment of bone aging and OP. These studies provide convenient and extensive information on the use of plant-based natural products, especially traditional Chinese medicines, in the treatment of diseases associated with aging bone. We thank all the authors, peer reviewers, and Frontiers staff for their rigorous and professional contributions. Without their help, successfully presenting this summary would not have been possible. We believe that all the information contained in this review will be beneficial for promoting scientific progress in the study of plant-based natural products for bone aging.