# Osteo‐F, a Newly Developed Herbal Formula, Ameliorates Osteoarthritis Through the NF‐κB/IκB/JNK Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology

## TL;DR

Osteo-F, a new herbal formula, may help treat osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and preserving cartilage.

## Contribution

Osteo-F is a novel herbal formula shown to ameliorate osteoarthritis via the NF-κB/IκB/JNK pathway.

## Key findings

- Osteo-F improved arthritis scores and preserved cartilage in a rat model of osteoarthritis.
- The formula reduced activation of JNK and NF-κB pathways, lowering inflammatory cytokines and cartilage breakdown.
- Network pharmacology linked Osteo-F to modulation of the TNF signaling pathway in osteoarthritis.

## Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful joint condition primarily caused by cartilage degradation, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Given the side effects of current treatments, this study investigates Osteo‐F, a novel herbal‐based functional ingredient formulated with Schizandra chinensis,
Lycium chinense
, and
Eucommia ulmoides
, traditionally valued for their bioactive and health‐promoting properties. Network pharmacology analysis identified significant interactions involving Osteo‐F within the TNF signaling pathway, highlighting its role in modulating key inflammatory processes in OA. In vivo experiments using a monosodium iodoacetate‐induced OA rat model demonstrated significant improvements in arthritis scores, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density, alongside preservation of cartilage integrity, as confirmed by histological analyses. In vitro studies further revealed that this formulation reduced the activation of JNK and NF‐κB pathways, decreasing inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases critical in cartilage breakdown. These findings underscore the potential of Osteo‐F as a functional food candidate to reduce inflammation and support cartilage preservation in OA. Future clinical trials are required to validate these findings and explore its dietary integration in OA management.

Osteo‐F, a newly developed herbal formula comprising Schisandra chinensis,
Lycium chinense
, and
Eucommia ulmoides
, was evaluated for its therapeutic effects in osteoarthritis (OA). Through network pharmacology, in vivo, and in vitro analyses, Osteo‐F was shown to regulate NF‐κB/IκB/JNK signaling and reduce inflammation, cartilage degradation, and bone loss. These findings suggest its potential as a functional food‐based strategy for OA management.