A Review on Synthetic PLGA Polymer Incorporated with Phytocompounds: Elucidating the Molecular Cascades for...

Osteoporosis, a skeletal disorder marked by the disruption and degeneration of bone tissues, undermines the structural integrity of bones. Globally, one in three women and one in five men face osteoporotic fractures as a result, and the expenditure on treating osteoporotic fractures is projected to surpass $25 billion by 2025. In addition to conventional medications such as monoclonal antibodies and hormonal therapies, research endeavors into bone tissue engineering due to the adverse effects associated with the prolonged use of pharmaceutical medications have spurred researchers to explore natural therapeutic compounds as a potentially safer and efficacious approach to treat osteoporosis. PLGA (Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)) is a copolymer that has garnered attention as a foundational material in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, its capacity to modify surface properties, and its ability to enhance interactions with biological materials. When combined with phytocompounds, PLGA has been reported to improve stability and efficacy in treating osteoporotic disorders. Various classes of bio-active phyto-compounds, including terpenoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing metabolites, are recognized for their ability to stimulate osteogenic activities in osteoporotic conditions. They exert their effects by modulating signaling cascades in conjunction with bone growth factors. In recent years, natural polymers derived from bio-active compounds have garnered growing interest owing to their wide-ranging applications in biomedicine. This review provides comprehensive insights into the role of phytocompounds in targeting genes involved in the bone regeneration process. Additionally, it highlights the potential of the synthetic polymer PLGA in improving treatments for osteoporotic conditions.