Le Qi
Xinming Fan
Jiabing Sun- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) refers to the structural degeneration of intervertebral discs that occurs with aging or overuse, including annulus fibrosus rupture, nucleus pulposus dehydration, reduced proteoglycan content, and decreased elasticity. The bioactive metabolites of botanical drugs (BMBDs) refer to the chemical substances derived from plants that can exert specific physiological effects on living organisms, including the human body. Various types of the BMBDs regulate key protein targets and signaling pathways, demonstrating effects such as alleviating nucleus pulposus cell inflammation and oxidative stress levels, inhibiting extracellular matrix degradation, and regulating nucleus pulposus cell autophagy and apoptosis.
Methods: All experimental information and summaries used in this review were acquired from peer-reviewed articles in the relevant fields. The PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles. Information on the manual classification and selection of BMBDs that protect against IVDD is included in this review.
Results: The literature review identified multiple studies on the characteristics of BMBDs, which delay IVDD from various aspects through a wide range of key targets and signaling pathways.
Conclusion: This review summarizes the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of different types of BMBDs in the treatment of IVDD, providing a theoretical foundation for further pharmacological research and the development of new drugs for treating IVDD, as well as strong theoretical support for future clinical applications.
1 Introduction
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a degenerative condition of the intervertebral disc primarily driven by aging, chronic mechanical stress, trauma, and other factors. It results in the dehydration of the nucleus pulposus (NP), leading to a loss of the disc’s elasticity and tensile strength, which diminishes its ability to support significant physical activity. This degeneration can cause spinal stenosis, instability, and symptoms such as low back and leg pain, often leading to disability globally (Zàaba et al., 2025). With the global aging population and lifestyle changes—including sedentary behavior and excessive physical exertion—the incidence of IVDD is rising, creating substantial economic burdens on individuals and society. This condition predominantly affects individuals over the age of 60 (Wu et al., 2025). Low back pain (LBP), one of the most common manifestations of disc degeneration, affects an estimated 619 million people worldwide as of 2020, with projections indicating 843 million cases by 2050 (Dou et al., 2025; Wang et al., 2025).
Several risk factors contribute to IVDD, including aging, mechanical injury, obesity, height, axial spinal overload, and smoking. LBP related to lumbar disc degeneration is primarily caused by disc degeneration, compression, and herniation (Mai et al., 2025). The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IVDD are as follows: 1) Cellular and environmental changes make the spine more susceptible to mechanical stress and gene expression dysregulation, which can alter the structure and function of lumbar intervertebral discs, compromising spinal stability and increasing vulnerability to external forces (Tsuchiya et al., 2025). 2) IVDD represents an aberrant cell-mediated response to structural disruptions between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and NP, progressively worsening over time. Degenerative processes involve changes in cell composition and structure within the NP, contributing to disc degeneration (Chen et al., 2025). 3) Elevated catabolic activity in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the intervertebral disc leads to reduced hydration and anabolic activity within the NP, further driving disc degeneration (Zhan et al., 2025). 4) Dysregulation of ECM homeostasis triggers inflammation, with inflammatory cytokines and neurogenic mediators such as neurotrophic factors promoting hyperinnervation of sensory nerve fibers within the disc. This process induces nociception and contributes to the development of disc-derived LBP (Yao et al., 2025), as illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The pathophysiological basis of intervertebral disc degeneration, including nucleus pulposus cell inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation.
Current treatment options for IVDD are categorized into conservative and interventional approaches. Conservative treatments include bed rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, hot compresses, and physical therapy. While these measures provide short-term relief from LBP, they do not address the underlying progression of disc degeneration (Mohd Isa et al., 2022; Yang et al., 2024). Interventional treatments encompass epidural steroid injections, nerve root blocks, and surgical options such as discectomy, interbody fusion, and disc replacement. When conservative treatments fail, surgery is typically considered the primary intervention. However, surgical procedures carry certain disadvantages, including damage to the original disc structure, partial loss of mechanical properties, recurrence, and adjacent segment degeneration (Kim et al., 2022). Both conservative and surgical treatments offer limited and often unsustainable benefits, as they primarily focus on alleviating symptoms rather than halting or reversing the degenerative process. In recent years, novel treatment strategies have emerged, aimed at preventing IVDD and promoting regeneration. These include growth factor therapy, cell therapy, and gene therapy (Sono et al., 2024). Various studies have investigated the injection of transforming growth factors, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), insulin-like growth factors, nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and viral vectors (lentivirus, adenovirus, or adeno-associated virus) carrying connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3), and tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1 (TIMP-1) into degenerated intervertebral discs. These approaches aim to repair and regenerate the disc, but they are hindered by high costs and poor targeting (Lou et al., 2025). Thus, current treatments for disc degeneration remain limited and largely symptomatic, with ongoing research focused on the discovery of more effective and targeted therapies.
The bioactive metabolites of botanical drugs (BMBDs) refer to the collective term for chemical substances derived from plants and capable of exerting definite physiological effects on living organisms. They are the products of secondary metabolism in plants and constitute the modern scientific core of the therapeutic effects of botanical drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) metabolites contain multiple BMBDs, the efficacy of which is the result of the synergistic action of multiple BMBDs contained within them. A large number of studies have shown that the comprehensive therapeutic effects of BMBDs and the TCM metabolite prescriptions composed of them have a significant role in treating various diseases. For instance, ginsenosides, derived from ginseng, have been found to address spinal cord injury (SCI) through multiple mechanisms: anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, antioxidative stress, and inhibition of glial scar formation. These metabolites also alleviate osteoporosis by affecting osteoclast and osteoblast activity (Qi et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2024). TCM, including metabolites formulations, extracts, and active monomers, can treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) through various pharmacological mechanisms, such as inducing mitophagy, making them promising candidates for the development of cardiovascular drugs with fewer side effects and improved efficacy (Wang et al., 2024). In the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis, precancerous lesions, and gastric cancer, TCM metabolites are beneficial for long-term use, as they cause no significant side effects, improve overall physical health, and enhance immune function (Liu X. et al., 2025).
This review explores the potential of BMBDs and in alleviating IVDD through its diverse mechanisms, providing a comprehensive theoretical foundation for its clinical application.
2 Specific varieties of BMBDs
The BMBDs form the material basis for the therapeutic effects of TCM metabolites, and the latter are composed of these metabolites in an orderly and complex application system according to the theories. Therefore, we will separately summarize the multi-target, multi-pathway and multi-effect therapeutic roles of both in the treatment of IVDD.
2.1 Active single BMBDs
2.1.1 Ginsenosides
Ginsenosides, a group of key natural triterpene saponins, are identified as the primary active metabolites responsible for the pharmacological effects of ginseng. Nearly 200 distinct ginsenosides have been isolated from ginseng plants and heat-processed ginseng products (Qi et al., 2022). These metabolites are generally categorized into two subtypes: protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT). Examples of PPD-type ginsenosides include Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Rh2, Rg3, and F2, while PPT-type ginsenosides include Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, and Rh1. These metabolites have shown potential in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, stress, inflammation, immune modulation, and cardiovascular disorders. In 2019, Zhang et al. (2019) demonstrated for the first time that ginsenoside Rd could inhibit IL-1β-induced inflammation and degradation of intervertebral disc chondrocytes by enhancing the ubiquitination of the IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the proteins neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated protein 4 (NEDD4), Casitas B-cell lymphoma (CBL) and itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase Gene (ITCH) are likely to target IL1RAP. Among ginsenosides, Rg1 has been the most extensively studied in relation to IVDD. Research indicates that Rg1 inhibits apoptosis of NPCs, through the Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family (Wnt)/β-catenin, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1)/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and NF-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Additionally, Rg1 promotes ECM synthesis, inhibits ECM degradation, and reduces inflammation in the NP tissue, thereby playing a pivotal role in alleviating disc degeneration (Yu et al., 2020; Yang et al., 2022; Yu et al., 2024). Beyond Rg1, NR1 has also been shown to enhance cellular function and reduce pyroptosis in NPCs through the NF-κB/Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway, while also alleviating mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in IVDD mouse models (Tang et al., 2021).
In summary, ginsenosides exhibit significant therapeutic potential in the management of IVDD, as illustrated in Figure 2; Table 1. With the integration of precision drug delivery systems and biomaterial carriers, ginsenosides may represent a promising new approach to the treatment of IVDD in the future.
Figure 2. The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of Ginsenosides on IVDD.
Table 1. Detailed information on ginsenoside for the treatment of IVDD.
2.1.2 Quercetin
Quercetin, a natural flavonoid present in a variety of plants, is part of the polyphenol family and is known for its significant biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. It is commonly found in apples, onions, grapes, tea, broccoli, and other fruits and vegetables, and is a key metabolite in many dietary supplements (Carrillo-Martinez et al., 2024). The molecular structure of quercetin enables it to effectively scavenge free radicals, inhibit oxidative stress, and modulate multiple signaling pathways to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, research has shown that quercetin can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and offer cardiovascular protection, antiviral properties, and immunomodulatory functions (Kamal et al., 2024). In recent years, quercetin’s potential applications in metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer prevention and treatment have attracted significant attention.
Apoptosis of NPCs and the dysregulation of ECM homeostasis are key contributors to the pathogenesis of IVDD. In 2020, Wang et al. first reported that quercetin has a significant impact on alleviating IVDD. They demonstrated that quercetin prevented NPC apoptosis and ECM degeneration by promoting SIRT1-dependent autophagy. Further experiments showed that the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed this protective effect, suggesting quercetin as a novel and effective treatment for IVDD (Wang et al., 2020). Subsequent studies have expanded on these findings, indicating that quercetin can suppress inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and ECM degradation in NPCs (Shao et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021; Yu H. et al., 2025). Additionally, Wu et al. (Wu et al., 2025) reported in 2025 that quercetin inhibits pyroptosis in NP cells through Tripartite Motif Containing 31 (TRIM31), a key protein, further elucidating its mechanism in alleviating IVDD. In cell-based studies, Ren and Zhao et al. shifted focus to nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) (Zhao et al., 2023; Ren et al., 2024). Their results demonstrated that quercetin significantly reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and senescence in NPMSCs by modulating key signaling pathways, including hypoxia inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) and miR-34a-5p/silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1). These findings were further corroborated in an IVDD rat model.
Overall, quercetin, as a natural and low-toxicity metabolite, holds substantial promise for the treatment of IVDD, as illustrated in Figure 3; Table 2. Future research should focus on exploring its long-term effects in humans and optimizing its administration to improve bioavailability, positioning quercetin as a potential new therapeutic strategy to delay or reverse IVDD.
Figure 3. The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of Quercetin on IVDD. ATE, Arginyltransferase 1.
Table 2. Detailed information on quercetin for the treatment of IVDD.
2.1.3 Baicalein
Baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects (Wen et al., 2023). Recently, it has garnered attention for its potential in alleviating IVDD, with its mechanisms primarily involving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as the regulation of ECM metabolism.
Baicalin effectively inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6, thereby reducing the inflammatory response in the intervertebral disc microenvironment and delaying the degenerative process (Wu et al., 2025). Additionally, baicalin protects NPCs from oxidative stress-induced damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preserving cell viability and function (Liu W. et al., 2023). In terms of matrix metabolism, baicalin inhibits the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes like matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs-5 (ADAMTS-5), while promoting the synthesis of collagen II (Col2α1) and aggrecan, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the intervertebral disc (Gan et al., 2025). Animal studies further confirmed that baicalin treatment significantly improved intervertebral disc height and signal intensity, while reducing histopathological degeneration scores. Baicalin may also exert protective effects through the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis-related pathways, such as the Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway (Jin et al., 2019).
Although the clinical application of baicalin is hindered by its low water solubility and bioavailability, advancements in drug delivery systems, such as hydrogels or nanoformulations, hold promise for overcoming these limitations. In conclusion, baicalin, as a natural multi-target drug, has significant potential in the prevention and treatment of IVDD.
2.1.4 Berberine
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from Coptis coptidis and Phelloberia amurensis, is characterized by its bright yellow crystals and bitter taste. This potent natural metabolite has been shown to possess a wide array of pharmacological effects, with its mechanism of action involving multi-target regulation (Li et al., 2023).
In IVDD, berberine effectively inhibits NPCs apoptosis through various signaling pathways, including AMPK/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (Ulk1), NF-κB, and Immunoglobulin-Regulated Enhancer 1 (IRE1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) (Lu et al., 2019; Luo et al., 2019; Huang et al., 2022). This suggests that its pharmacological mechanism forms a complex network. In addition to inhibiting apoptosis, berberine has been shown to prevent IL-1β-induced ECM degradation by regulating ECM-related enzymes and factors. It also significantly activates autophagy, which is otherwise inhibited by IL-1β (Huang et al., 2022).
Due to its multi-target action profile and good safety profile, baicalein and berberine has become a focus of research in modern natural drug development, as illustrated in Figure 4; Table 3. It holds significant potential for the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic and degenerative diseases.
Figure 4. The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of Berberine and Baicalin on IVDD.
Table 3. Detailed information on baicalein and berberine for the treatment of IVDD.
2.1.5 Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic metabolite extracted from plants such as Zingiberaceae and Araceae, with its primary active metabolite found in Curcuma longa. Known for its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has attracted considerable attention in the fields of medicine and healthcare (Kotha and Luthria, 2019). Curcumin can neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammatory reactions, and may play a role in preventing and improving cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (Corrêa Carvalho et al., 2024).
IVDD, a leading cause of low back and leg pain, is associated with an inflammatory response. Curcumin has shown considerable pharmacological potential in treating IVDD. It can inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, reducing the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. This decreases local inflammation in the intervertebral disc, alleviating pain and tissue damage (Hu et al., 2017; Cherif et al., 2019; He et al., 2021). Additionally, curcumin regulates cell metabolism by promoting the proliferation of NPCs, inhibiting apoptosis, and stabilizing cell numbers. It also affects ECM metabolism by reducing the degradation of collagen and proteoglycans by matrix metalloproteinases, while promoting their synthesis. These actions help maintain the structure and function of the intervertebral disc, making curcumin an effective agent in combating IVDD (Klawitter et al., 2012; Wan et al., 2025), as illustrated in Figure 5; Table 4.
Figure 5. The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of Curcumin on IVDD. Nrf2, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.
Table 4. Detailed information on curcumin for the treatment of IVDD.
To overcome challenges related to its bioavailability, researchers are exploring nanoformulations, structural modifications, and phospholipid complexes. As research progresses, the application of curcumin is expected to expand significantly.
2.1.6 Other active single BMBDs
From both theoretical and practical perspectives, BMBDs provides distinct advantages for the individualized treatment of IVDD. In the realm of mechanistic research, cutting-edge technologies such as network pharmacology and metabolomics are enabling deeper analysis of BMBDs’ multi-metabolite, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms. By identifying the core active substances in traditional formulations and elucidating specific molecular mechanisms—such as regulating the metabolism of intervertebral disc cells, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and promoting ECM repair—research can provide a robust theoretical foundation for the scientific application of BMBDs.
Astragaloside (Tian et al., 2022), Arctigenin (Ji et al., 2022), Andrographolide (Zhang et al., 2018), Palmatine (Yu H. et al., 2025) and Phillyrin (Chen et al., 2024) can significantly reduce the release of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2 and iNOX, by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Icariin, Genkwanin and Wogonin can exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating other signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MyD88 (Deng et al., 2017; Fang et al., 2018; Hua et al., 2018; Hu et al., 2023; Li M. et al., 2024). In terms of anti-NPCs aging and apoptosis, Puerarin (Tang et al., 2023) can significantly reduce the apoptosis rate of NPCs and decrease the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. Sinomenine (Gao et al., 2019) and Naringenin (Li et al., 2016; Tang et al., 2025) can protect NPCs by reducing the secretion of aging-related phenotypes, including p16 and p21. These three pharmacological effects are achieved by activating the autophagy function of NPCs. It can be seen that autophagy plays an important role in this aspect. However, none of them have studied the relationship between mitochondrial autophagy with nucleus pulposus cells, which is also a future research direction. The studies of Wang, Li and Shao have shown that Polydatin, Tomatidine and Hyperforin can respectively alleviate oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway, inhibit ferroptosis by regulating the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway, and delay NPCs aging through a key target, transient receptor potential cation channel member 6 (TRPC6) channel (Wang et al., 2018; Li Z. et al., 2024; Shao et al., 2024). In addition, various BMBDs have proved to significantly inhibit ECM degradation and the activity of matrix metalloproteinases to promote the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans (Li et al., 2015; Bai et al., 2022a, Bai et al., 2022b; Xu et al., 2022; Li M. et al., 2024).
This part explores the specific mechanisms of other active single BMBDs in the treatment of IVDD, as illustrated in Figure 6; Table 5. As research into BMBDs continues to advance, it is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the prevention and treatment of IVDD, offering new hope for patients and contributing valuable insights to global medical practices.
Figure 6. The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of other BMBDs on IVDD. TXNIP, Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein.
Table 5. Detailed information on other active single BMBDs for the treatment of IVDD.
2.2 TCM metabolites
2.2.1 Bushen Huoxue Formula
Bushen Huoxue Formula is commonly used in clinical practice. Rooted in the theories of “kidney leading bone to pulp” and “activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis,” this formula has been shown through modern research to regulate bone metabolism, promote fracture healing, improve osteoporosis, and reduce IVDD. Additionally, it enhances immune function and improves microcirculation (Zhan et al., 2022). In clinical practice, physicians tailor the formula by making adjustments based on the patient’s specific disease and constitution, thus optimizing its therapeutic benefits.
The pharmacological effects of Bushen Huoxue Formula in the treatment of IVDD are multi-faceted. It regulates the metabolism of intervertebral disc cells, enhances the activity of NPCs, promotes cell proliferation, reduces apoptosis, and stabilizes the cell population within the intervertebral disc (Duan et al., 2023). Furthermore, it promotes the synthesis of proteoglycans, increases the content of key ECM, enhances the elasticity and compressive resistance of the intervertebral disc, and delays the degenerative process (Yang et al., 2019). In addition, Gao et al. (2022), Gao et al. (2024) reported that Bushen Huoxue Formula exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors and ROS. It also restores mitochondrial function and autophagic flux (Gao et al., 2022; Gao et al., 2024).
As research continues, Bushen Huoxue Formula holds great promise for the treatment of IVDD and is expected to be further refined for precise clinical use as illustrated in Table 6. By optimizing the formula and clarifying dosage regimens, it offers hope for the rehabilitation of patients with IVDD.
Table 6. Detailed information on Bushen Huoxue Formula for the treatment of IVDD.
2.2.2 Duhuo Jisheng Decoction
Duhuo Jisheng Decoction is a well-established prescription commonly used to treat bi syndrome, liver and kidney deficiency, as well as deficiencies in qi and blood. Modern clinical research has demonstrated its significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar disc herniation, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal diseases. Additionally, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction exhibits notable pharmacological activity in areas such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune regulation (Zhou et al., 2023). It remains many valuable metabolites and continues to play an important role in modern medical practice.
Duhuo Jisheng Decoction exerts its pharmacological effects through multiple targets and pathways in the treatment of IVDD. It effectively inhibits the release of inflammatory cytokines and the degradation of the ECM, IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby reducing local inflammation in the intervertebral disc (Liu et al., 2018; 2018). Furthermore, it regulates the metabolism of intervertebral disc cells through mechanisms such as autophagy and mitochondrial function. The decoction promotes the proliferation of NPCs, inhibits pyroptosis, and stabilizes the number of NPCs in the intervertebral disc. These effects are mediated through the Stromal Cell-derived Factor 1 (SDF1)/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-NFκB-NLRP3 and miR-494/SIRT3/mitophagy dual pathways (Guo et al., 2023; Liu W. et al., 2023). Additionally, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction can prevent ECM degradation and apoptosis by activating autophagy and inhibiting the P38/MAPK signaling pathway, which effectively delays degeneration in the intervertebral disc, as demonstrated in a puncture-induced IVDD rat model (Liu et al., 2020).
Duhuo Jisheng Decoction holds broad potential in the treatment of IVDD, as illustrated in Table 7. Its multi-metabolite and multi-target properties align well with the principles of modern precision medicine. Future research, including the application of advanced technologies such as metabolomics and network pharmacology, is expected to identify the core active substances of the formula and further elucidate its mechanism of action, enhancing its clinical application in treating IVDD.
Table 7. Detailed information on Duhuo Jisheng Decoction for the treatment of IVDD.
2.2.3 Other TCM metabolites
In addition to the well-known Bushen Huoxue Formula and Duhuo Jisheng Decoction, recent studies have further expanded other TCM metabolites in the treatment of IVDD. In 2021, Dai et al. (Dai et al., 2021) demonstrated that Yiqi Huoxue Recipe could promote the formation of the Beclin1-VPS34 complex by activating the upstream protein AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and up-regulating the deubiquitinase ubiquitin specific peptidase 13 (USP13). This activation of autophagy attenuated the release of inflammatory factors in NPCs. This study introduced the potential molecular mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Formula’s autophagic action for the first time, providing both theoretical and experimental support for its clinical application in treating IVDD-related conditions. In 2025, another study confirmed the effective active metabolites and signaling pathways of Fuzi Decoction in alleviating IVDD through network pharmacological analysis. Subsequent cell and animal experiments validated these findings. The results revealed that Fuzi Decoction could regulate ECM degradation and ferroptosis by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, demonstrating its potential in mitigating IVDD. These findings suggest that Fuzi Decoction could be a promising therapeutic agent for IVDD, offering valuable insights into its multifaceted mechanisms and molecular interactions for future clinical applications (Liu Y. et al., 2025).
The above researches specifically elaborate the pharmacological effects of various TCM metabolites in the context of IVDD, as illustrated in Figure 7. Looking ahead, further development and exploration of the pharmacological effects in IVDD are anticipated. By combining modern preparation technologies to improve bioavailability, along with minimally invasive interventions and rehabilitation physiotherapy, a comprehensive treatment approach integrating both traditional Chinese and Western medicine can be formed. This integrated model is expected to offer a safer and more effective treatment pathway for patients with IVDD.
Figure 7. The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of TCM metabolite on IVDD.
3 Limitations
The intervertebral disc, being an avascular and enclosed tissue, makes it difficult to deliver the drug. The bioavailability of the active metabolite after systemic administration is extremely low, and it is difficult to penetrate the annulus fibrosus barrier to reach an effective concentration at the lesion site, resulting in an impractical dose in vivo even when the dose is effective in vitro. Secondly, Some of the metabolites studied may fall under the category of pan assay interfering compounds (PAINS). This means that the “activity” observed in in vitro experiments may result from non-specific interference mechanisms, including aggregation, redox reactions, fluorescence quenching rather than specific interactions with specific targets. Therefore, the reported in vitro activity results of such metabolites need to be interpreted with extreme caution, and their prospects as potential drug candidates are thus greatly diminished. Furthermore, most research results are based on cell or animal models, which cannot truly simulate the unique mechanical and physical microenvironment of human intervertebral discs. The studies generally lack direct comparisons with standard therapies and phased efficacy evaluations, making their clinical value unclear. Finally, the BMBDs are subject to variations due to the location, collection, and processing methods, resulting in inherent heterogeneity. This poses significant challenges for standardization, dosage determination, and the reproducibility of therapeutic effects.
In conclusion, it is necessary to clearly recognize its limitations in terms of delivery, efficacy, evidence, and standardization. In the future, efforts should be made to develop new delivery systems, explore combination therapies, and promote its clinical application through rigorous research.
4 Prospects
To promote the clinical application of BMBDs in the treatment of IVDD, future research needs to make breakthroughs in the following key areas. Firstly, developing advanced drug delivery systems is the core challenge. In the future, efforts should be focused on researching targeted delivery systems based on nanotechnology or hydrogels, in order to achieve precise, sustained-release and efficient enrichment of active metabolites at the lesion site, thereby addressing the fundamental problem of low bioavailability. Secondly, conduct in-depth research on the mechanism of multi-metabolites synergy. In the future, we should not limit ourselves to a single metabolite, but instead explore the scientific combination of multiple active metabolites. Utilize systems pharmacology and high-throughput screening techniques to construct a more potent multi-target regulatory network with higher efficacy. Finally, establish a more reliable paradigm for translational medical research. It is urgent to develop 3D culture or organ-on-a-chip models that can simulate the mechanical and biochemical microenvironment of human intervertebral discs, and promote their transformation into standardized drugs.
5 Conclusion
This review summarizes the great potential of various BMBDs in the treatment of intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDD), including a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments, multiple physiological processes, key signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms. As the therapeutic effects of BMBDs in treating IVDD have gained increasing recognition, it is expected to become a new treatment method, providing promising possibilities for the development of future drugs. However, its clinical application is still limited by some core challenges, such as low delivery efficiency, possibility of interference from PAINS, and difficulties in standardizing the metabolites. In the future, it is necessary to break through the targeted delivery technology, clarify the synergistic mechanism of multiple metabolites, and establish evidence-based medical evidence to realize its clinical translational value.
Author contributions
LQ: Writing – review and editing, Writing – original draft. XF: Writing – original draft. JS: Writing – review and editing.
Funding
The author(s) declared that financial support was not received for this work and/or its publication.
Acknowledgements
We thank Bullet Edits Limited for the linguistic editing and proofreading of the manuscript.
Conflict of interest
The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Keywords: bioactive metabolites of botanical drugs, intervertebral disc degeneration, preclinical research, promising therapeutic candidate, traditional Chinese medicine
Citation: Qi L, Fan X and Sun J (2026) Bioactive metabolites of botanical drugs in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration-a review of promising therapeutic candidate. Front. Pharmacol. 16:1700077. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1700077
Received: 06 September 2025; Accepted: 04 December 2025;
Published: 12 January 2026.
Edited by:
Wei Peng, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ChinaReviewed by:
Sacha Cavelier, Queensland University of Technology, AustraliaLiang Qi, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
Copyright © 2026 Qi, Fan and Sun. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Jiabing Sun, c3VuamlhYmluZ0BsaXZlLmNu