Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease due to the aging of the articular cartilage, a post-mitotic tissue that stays functioning until primary homeostatic processes fail. Because of pain and disability, OA significantly influences national healthcare expenses and patient quality of life. It is a whole-joint illness characterized by inflammatory and oxidative signaling pathways and significant epigenetic alterations that cause cartilage extracellular matrix degradation. The canonical Wnt pathway (Wnt/β-catenin pathway) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways may function in joint tissues by modulating the activity of synovial cells, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. However, finding innovative ways to treat osteoarthritis and get the joint back to average balance is still a struggle. Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that promote joint health by balancing anabolic and catabolic signals. New therapeutic methods for OA treatment have been developed based on many research findings that show nutraceuticals have strong anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anti–bone resorption, and anabolic properties. For the treatment of osteoarthritis, we explore the possible involvement of nutraceuticals that target the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways.

Practical applications

In keeping with the aging population, osteoarthritis is becoming more widespread. In this extensive research, we studied the role of the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathway in OA formation and progression. Nutraceuticals that target these OA-related signaling pathways are a viable therapy option. Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathway are inhibited by polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamins from the nutraceutical category, making them possible therapeutic drugs for OA therapy.