Therapeutic Effects of the Most Common Polyphenols Found in Sorbus domestica L. Fruits on Bone Health

TL;DR

This review explores how polyphenols in Sorbus domestica fruits may improve bone health by affecting bone cells and reducing inflammation.

Contribution

The paper reviews the potential of specific polyphenols from Sorbus domestica fruits to support bone health through multiple biological mechanisms.

Findings

Polyphenols like chlorogenic acid and rutin may enhance bone mineralization and reduce bone loss.

These compounds appear to modulate osteoblast and osteoclast activity, offering anabolic and anti-resorptive effects.

Despite preclinical evidence, clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness in humans.

Abstract

The service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) fruits are rich in polyphenols, which exhibit promising therapeutic effects on bone health. This review summarizes the potential benefits of polyphenols identified in Sorbus domestica L. fruits, such as chlorogenic acid (CGA), protocatechuic acid (PCA), rutin, epicatechin, and naringin on bone biology and on bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus. Current evidence suggests that the aforementioned polyphenols may modulate osteoblast and osteoclast activity, enhance mineralization, mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby supporting overall bone health. Specific studies highlight the anabolic and anti-resorptive effects of CGA, the osteoprotective potential of PCA, and the ability of rutin, epicatechin, and naringin to promote osteogenic differentiation and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Although the exact mechanisms are still unclear, it is believed that these bioactive metabolites can act through a variety of signalling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms. Despite existing preclinical evidence, there is a significant gap in clinical trials evaluating the direct impact of polyphenols mentioned above on bone health in humans. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in clinical settings. The therapeutic potential of the most common polyphenols from Sorbus domestica L. fruits has been evaluated by available in vitro and in vivo studies, which highlight their promising potential as dietary interventions to prevent bone loss and improve skeletal integrity in metabolic bone diseases. Based on available information, maximum health benefits may be achieved if mature Sorbus domestica L. fruits are consumed approximately two weeks after harvest or as unripe fruit-based fermented products.

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