Current Status and Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules in the Treatment of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases

Introduction: Degenerative bone and joint diseases pose significant challenges in aging societies, causing pain and functional limitations. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula granules (TCMFG), which combine traditional efficacy with modern convenience and standardization, represent an important innovative approach to chronic disease management. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted between January 2020 and April 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. Keywords encompassed “Traditional Chinese medicine formula granules”, “bone aging”, “osteoarthritis”, “osteoporosis”, etc. Inclusion criteria covered clinical trials, pharmacological studies, or policy documents on TCMFG for bone/joint degenerative diseases. Exclusion criteria removed non-degenerative conditions, studies lacking granule comparisons, and low-evidence reports. Results: Clinical studies demonstrate that TCMFG significantly improves symptoms in conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, demonstrating comparable efficacy to traditional decoctions with higher patient compliance. Key challenges include insufficient high-quality evidence, limited variety coverage, and accessibility barriers. Discussion: While TCMFG shows inherent potential for managing degenerative bone/joint diseases, particularly in aging populations, its broader application is constrained by evidence gaps and standardization hurdles. The lack of robust, long-term efficacy and safety data limits international recognition and integration into mainstream guidelines. Addressing these limitations through rigorous clinical trials and enhanced quality control is crucial. Furthermore, resolving cost and accessibility issues is essential for wider patient benefit. Conclusion: TCMFG offers a promising strategy for managing bone and joint degeneration. Future efforts should prioritize strengthening clinical evidence, addressing standardization and accessibility issues, and fostering international recognition to realize their potential in global health fully.