Application of Luteolin in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis

Abstract

With the acceleration of global population aging, osteoporosis has emerged as a significant public health issue threatening elderly health. Its high prevalence rate (13% in China) and associated fracture risks impose a heavy burden on socioeconomic development and medical resources. Conventional therapeutic agents face limitations in both efficacy and safety, necessitating the exploration of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Luteolin (LUT), a natural flavonoid compound abundant in plants, demonstrates unique advantages in osteoporosis prevention and treatment through its o-dihydroxyphenyl structure endowing potent antioxidant activity and multi-target synergistic effects. Research indicates that LUT establishes a dynamic equilibrium in bone metabolism via multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant stress response, regulation of inflammatory cytokine networks (such as suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor expression), promotion of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and improvement of bone matrix composition. Furthermore, LUT derivatives modulate reactive oxygen species scavenging enzyme activities while inducing apoptosis and autophagy, thereby reinforcing its osteoprotective effects. Despite clinical application challenges posed by LUT’s poor water solubility, its multi-pathway action modes offer innovative approaches for personalized treatment. This review synthesizes current understanding of LUT’s mechanisms and research progress in osteoporosis management, emphasizing its promising potential as a therapeutic agent. Future efforts should focus on structural optimization and delivery system improvements to facilitate LUT’s clinical translation, addressing the pressing challenges in osteoporosis prevention and treatment.