Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility and cartilage degeneration. The pathogenesis of OA involves chronic inflammatory responses, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cellular aging. In particular, chondrocytes exhibit metabolic imbalances when stimulated by inflammatory factors (such as IL-1β), leading to degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage. Currently, treatment options for OA are limited, and commonly used drugs have significant side effects. Therefore, the search for safe and effective natural drugs has become a research hotspot.

About Isoginkgetin

Ginkgo is the oldest existing seed plant and contains various pharmacologically active components. Isoginkgetin (IGK) is an important compound in ginkgo leaf extract and is a naturally derived dimeric flavone. Studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective effects, but its role in OA is still unclear.

Recently, Xu M et al. investigated the protective effect of Isoginkgetin in OA and its potential mechanism. The team first revealed that Isoginkgetin effectively protects cartilage and alleviates the progression of OA by synergistically inhibiting the NF-κB inflammatory pathway and P21-mediated chondrocyte senescence.

Fig. 1. Extract of Ginkgo

Research Method

This study employed a combined approach of in vitro cell experiments and in vivo animal models.

• The in vitro experiments focused on mouse chondrocytes and used IL-1β to induce an inflammatory model. The study observed the effects of different concentrations of Isoginkgetin on cell viability, inflammatory factors, proteins related to synthesis and decomposition metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and aging indicators. The mechanism of action was analyzed through Western blot, SA-β-Gal staining, and RNA-Seq techniques.
•  The in vivo experiment established an osteoarthritis model in mice by destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM). After surgery, Isoginkgetin was injected into the joint cavity weekly for 8 weeks to assess pain response, cartilage degeneration, and changes in protein expression.

Fig. 2. Isoginkgetin administration protocol to alleviate cartilage degradation in mice DMM models.(Xu M, et al. 2025)

Research Findings

In vitro results

• Showed no significant cytotoxicity and ameliorated IL-1β-induced metabolic imbalance in chondrocytes
• Exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects
• Inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway
• Demonstrated antioxidant and anti-senescence activities

In vivo results

• Attenuated DMM-induced OA pathology
• Effectively relieved pain
• Regulated cartilage metabolism and inflammation

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