Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Osteoarthritis Based on Ferroptosis Theory: A Review

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have shown that ferroptosis contributes to the onset and progression of OA through mechanisms such as iron metabolism disorder, uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, and imbalance of the antioxidant system. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of OA, and exploring TCM treatment for OA based on ferroptosis theory has become a current research hotspot. This article systematically summarizes and organizes the research progress on the regulation of ferroptosis and its relationship with OA, combining the role of TCM in regulating ferroptosis to treat OA. It has been found that ferroptosis plays an important regulatory role in cartilage cell injury, inflammation, and joint degeneration, providing a new approach for the treatment of OA. Meanwhile, active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicines, such as quercetin, baicalin, tanshinone, curcumin, and formulas like Jianpi Tongluo Decoction and Yangxue Roujin Decoction, can improve the pathological process of OA by regulating ferroptosis-related pathways. This article provides scientific evidence and reference value for deepening the research on ferroptosis theory and guiding TCM in the prevention and treatment of OA.