Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal disorders, which include conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, are a major cause of global disability. Natural products derived from diverse sources such as plants, animals, marine organisms, and microorganisms have a long history of use in traditional medicine and continue to inspire modern therapeutic discovery. Building on this foundation, contemporary research is rigorously investigating these compounds to develop evidence-based treatments.

This special issue aims to showcase the complete translational journey of natural products in orthopedics, from basic research to clinical application. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and clinical studies that explore the mechanisms, efficacy, and innovative applications of natural products for musculoskeletal health.

Relevant topics include the preclinical studies of bioactive compounds, their incorporation into biomaterials and delivery systems for tissue engineering, and clinical evaluations of their therapeutic benefits.

Importantly, to effectively connect scientific discovery with patient care, we also invite submissions focused on critical translational aspects. These include studies on quality control, standardization, pharmacokinetics, safety, toxicity, and herb-drug interactions. This collection seeks to advance the development of safe, effective, and standardized natural product-based strategies for preventing and treating orthopedic diseases.

Dr. Qilei Chen

Guest Editor