• Shaoyang Shenggu Fang significantly reduces cartilage degeneration and Mankin scores in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis.
• The formula decreases serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and modulates oxidative stress markers (increases SOD and GSH-Px, decreases MDA).
• Shaoyang Shenggu Fang downregulates senescence markers p21Cip1 and p16INK4a, and inhibits Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.
• The therapeutic mechanism involves inhibition of oxidative stress via regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby delaying cartilage senescence.