Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 31, Issue 34, 2025

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.

The gut microbiome, a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem, plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health by regulating physiological balance and preventing disease. Probiotics, live beneficial microorganisms, have shown potential in modulating the gut microbiota through mechanisms such as competitive exclusion of pathogens, enhancement of mucosal immunity, and regulation of microbial metabolism. Recent advancements in membrane simulations offer a novel approach to studying these interactions at the molecular level. By employing molecular dynamics (MD) and coarse-grained models, these simulations provide insights into the structural and functional dynamics of bacterial membranes and their interactions with probiotics. This approach enables a deeper understanding of key processes, such as microbial metabolite transport, membrane permeability, and host response modulation, which are critical for maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, membrane simulations facilitate the exploration of microbial communication pathways, enhancing our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotics. As computational tools evolve, integrating membrane simulations with experimental approaches can accelerate the discovery of targeted probiotic therapies aimed at restoring microbial balance and optimizing gut health. This review underscores the significance of membrane simulations in advancing gut microbiome research, suggesting that future studies should focus on refining these computational models to bridge the gap between theoretical predictions and clinical applications. Through a synergistic approach, researchers can enhance the therapeutic potential of probiotics, leading to improved strategies for managing gut-related disorders with insightful knowledge of their interactions.

Hypertension is considered to be a crucial factor in the development of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Several conventional medications are frequently used to manage hypertension. However, they have certain adverse effects that limit their use. Therefore, alternative medications, including bioactive peptides, could be valuable in managing CVD because they are safer, less expensive, and more effective. In light of this, this article aimed to explore the potential application of plant-derived peptides for their efficient role in ameliorating hypertension. In particular, the authors summarise the current understanding of the anti-hypertensive function of plant-derived bioactive peptides, focusing on the source, isolation technique, purification process, and potential CVD applications. The potential antihypertensive peptides are highlighted in particular, and their molecular mechanisms, such as ACE inhibition, renin inhibition, and CCB blockers, are highlighted in terms of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models. Recent literature evidence revealed that plant peptides with low molecular weight show better potential for inhibiting ACE and renin. Moreover, the molecular structure, solubility, and types of amino acids play an important role in determining antihypertensive activity. This review will improve the understanding of plant-derived bioactive peptides and provide some constructive inspiration for further research and industrial application in cardiovascular disorders.