Therapeutic potential of panax ginseng-derived nanovesicles in osteoporosis through enhanced osteoblast

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Authors: Sang-Hoon Lee, Jae-Hee Kwon, Hyun-Woo Kim, Se Hwan Mun, Young Yang, Jihoon Kim, Kwang-Won Seo, Do-Kyun Kim, Young‐Eun Cho
Cited by: 1
References: 55

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, which leads to reduced bone density and increased fracture risk. Plant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as safe, biocompatible biomaterials with therapeutic potential for bone regeneration. Methods: -derived nanovesicles (PNVs) were evaluated with a focus on osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and mineralization. PNVs were successfully isolated, characterized, and tested for their osteogenic capacity using MC3T3-E1 cells, mouse primary osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. Results: Treatment with PNVs (0-10 μg/mL) for 3 or 7 days markedly promoted osteoblastic maturation and matrix mineral deposition, as confirmed by Alizarin-red and Von Kossa staining. In addition, PNVs exposure upregulated key osteogenic genes, including Runx2, ALP, and OPN, while activating major signaling cascades such as BMP2/4 and phosphorylated p38, implying their involvement in osteogenic regulation. Moreover, in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model, oral administration of PNVs improved bone microarchitecture by stimulating osteoblast-driven bone regeneration and attenuating osteoclast-mediated bone degradation. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings indicate that PNVs promote osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix formation, thereby enhancing mineralization and demonstrating their potential as a natural nanotherapeutic approach for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ginseng Biological Effects and Applications Bone Metabolism and Diseases Bone health and osteoporosis research

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Ginseng Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
50
Issue
3
Pages
101016–101016
Publication date
24 February 2026
Language
EN