International Journal of Medical Laboratory

Conditions that impair cartilage, whether due to mechanical injury or age-related degeneration, pose significant challenges for patients and healthcare systems. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of these conditions is expected to rise, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Given the limited regenerative capacity of cartilage, in vitro tissue engineering techniques have become a favored approach for creating cartilage replacements. This field primarily focuses on generating substitutes in the form of chondrocyte suspensions and three-dimensional scaffolds populated with chondrocytes. A significant obstacle in cartilage formation is the bioactive compounds used for stem cell differentiation, which can inadvertently lead to hypertrophy and ossification of the cells. Despite extensive research into various materials to identify effective bioactive compounds, a universally accepted option has not yet been established. In light of these challenges, this research aims to explore a variety of bioactive compounds, particularly those derived from herbal medicines that have been previously investigated. By focusing on these compounds, the study seeks to identify potential candidates to enhance cartilage regeneration and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients suffering from cartilage-related conditions. This investigation is crucial for advancing tissue engineering approaches and addressing the growing burden of cartilage degeneration in an aging population.