Animal experimental study on the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration with Chinese herbal compound: species selection, modeling method and drug administration

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal compound has a unique curative effect on lumbar disc degeneration. In order to further understand the mechanism of its action, researchers have carried out many animal experiments in vivo, but there is no agreement on the animal model, the way of administration and the choice of observation indicators. OBJECTIVE: To review the progress in animal experimental studies on the treatment of lumbar disc degeneration with Chinese herbal compounds, focusing on the preparation of animal models of lumbar disc degeneration, the administration methods of Chinese herbal compounds and the evaluation indexes of efficacy, in order to provide a reference for related studies. METHODS: CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science were retrieved by computer for relevant literature published from database inception to November 2024. The Chinese terms were “Chinese medicine, compound, Chinese medicine, herbal, drug combination, soup, formula, low back pain, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, intervertebral disc injury, animal, rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, pig, sheep, monkey, primate, model, modeling, experiment, research, progress, review”; the English terms were “traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese medicine formula, herbal formula, intervertebral disc degeneration, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, intervertebral disc injury, animal model, animal experiment, preclinical study, rat, mouse, rabbit, sheep, dog, pig, non-human primate, monkey, primate, treatment, therapy, effect, intervention”. A total of 789 relevant articles were retrieved, and 139 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Researchers using Chinese herbal compounds to treat intervertebral disc degeneration preferred rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, or New Zealand rabbits as experimental animals. (2) Various modeling methods for intervertebral disc degeneration have their own advantages and disadvantages; the annulus fibrosus puncture model is the most widely used model in such studies, and combined modeling methods can better simulate the process of intervertebral disc degeneration. (3) The administration routes of Chinese herbal compounds in animal models are consistent with those in humans, with oral administration being the main route. (4) Chinese herbal compounds have good therapeutic effects on intervertebral disc degeneration, often verified by imaging, behavioral, molecular biological, and histological methods.

1. Introduction

Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration involves degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc and its surrounding structures, leading to low back pain and motor dysfunction, which severely affect patients' quality of life. The pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration is complex, and Chinese herbal compounds, as multi-herb formulations, exert multi-target effects and regulate cellular and molecular processes at multiple biological levels, potentially offering broader and more effective therapeutic benefits [1]. Some researchers have validated the efficacy of Chinese herbal compounds through clinical observations, including overall response rates, but the modern pharmacological mechanisms require further investigation [2].

To explore the mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in treating lumbar disc degeneration, numerous animal experiments have been reported. The selection of an appropriate animal model is crucial, as it should faithfully mimic the pathological processes and clinical features of human disease. Various animal models have been established, including natural aging, mechanical injury, and abnormal stress models, each with unique advantages and limitations [3]. Researchers must weigh differences from human discs, cost-effectiveness, and experimental complexity when choosing and using these models.