The Effects of Natural Product-Derived Extracts for Longitudinal Bone Growth: An Overview of In Vivo Experiments

Abstract

Approximately 80% of children with short stature are classified as having Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS). While growth hormone (GH) treatment received FDA approval in the United States in 2003, its long-term impact on final height remains debated. Other treatments, like aromatase inhibitors, metformin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), have been explored, but there is no established standard treatment for ISS. In South Korea and other Asian countries, East Asian Traditional Medicine (EATM) is sometimes employed by parents to potentially enhance their children’s height growth, often involving herbal medicines. One such product, Astragalus membranaceus extract mixture HT042, claims to promote height growth in children and has gained approval from the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Research suggests that HT042 supplementation can increase height growth in children without skeletal maturation, possibly by elevating serum IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 levels. Preclinical studies also indicate the potential benefits of natural products, including of EATM therapies for ISS. The purpose of this review is to offer an overview of bone growth factors related to ISS and to investigate the potential of natural products, including herbal preparations, as alternative treatments for managing ISS symptoms, based on their known efficacy in in vivo studies.

1. Introduction

Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is defined as an individual’s height below the 3% relative to the average height for the given age without finding any specific environmental, nutritional or genetic abnormality [1]. Approximately 80% of children with short stature are presented as having ISS [2]. The treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) for ISS was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in July 2003, and the current FDA-approved doses for GH in ISS are up to 0.30–0.37 mg/kg per week [3]. rhGH treatment increases the growth rate in the first year, but its effect on final height for 5 years is controversial [4]. Given that it requires daily parenteral administration, and its cost remains prohibitive in many parts of the world, a new strategic approach is needed [5]. Recently, efforts have been made to explore therapeutic alternatives that would facilitate slower bone maturation and more prolonged spontaneous or induced growth. Treatment options, such as aromatase inhibitors, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHas), and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1), have been employed to address ISS [6]. Several studies have shown that GnRHas can enhance the final adult height in ISS children with central precocious puberty, with the most significant effect observed in girls under 10 years of age [7]. Indeed, the combination of GnRHas and rhGH has seen an increased use in the treatment of ISS with precocious puberty [8]. However, at present, there is no standard treatment, and the management of ISS remains controversial [6].

In Asian countries, including South Korea, parents have used East Asian Traditional Medicine (EATM) treatments to potentially promote height growth in their children. ISS is one of the most common symptoms encountered by children and adolescents seeking alternative therapies at oriental medicine hospitals, and several kinds of herbal medicines have been administered as alternative treatments in South Korea [9]. Although the scientifically clear efficacy of helping ISS is controversial, various prescriptions of herbal medicines are used for ISS symptoms in South Korea [10]. The Astragalus extract mixture HT042 is a standardized functional food ingredient approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA, 2014) with the claim that ‘HT042 can help height growth of children’. It has been reported that the supplementation of HT042 for 23 weeks increased the height growth in children without skeletal maturation, and this effect was attributed to elevated serum IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 levels [11]. Indeed, several preclinical studies have indicated that the herbal decoction of EATM has potential benefits for the treatment of ISS [12]. Therefore, although efficacy may be controversial, natural products, including herbal preparations, may offer a potential alternative medicine for managing short stature. In this review, we aim to summarize our present knowledge of the longitudinal bone growth factors contributing to the pathogenesis of ISS. Additionally, we explore the potential of natural products in promoting bone length growth through the use of animal models and key biomarkers.

2. The Growth Hormone (GH)–Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Axis

Although ISS does not present with any specific environmental, nutritional, or genetic abnormality, it is necessary to approach it from the perspective of genetic defects in the somatotropic axis. The somatotropic axis, also known as the GH–IGF axis, is composed of GH, IGFs, related carrier proteins, and receptors (Figure 1). It plays an important role in regulating metabolic and physiological processes, including bone growth [13]. Some patients with ISS show abnormalities in the somatotropic axis, indicating GH insensitivity [14]. GH is primarily regulated by the interaction of two peptide hormones: GH-releasing hormone, which stimulates the secretion of growth hormone, and somatostatin, which inhibits GH secretion from the hypothalamus [15]. GH binds to a GH receptor (GHR), which activates JAK2 (Janus Kinase 2) and promotes the phosphorylation of various members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription family (STAT5B). This process primarily stimulates IGF-1. IGF-1, a single-chain polypeptide, is a growth-promoting polypeptide that is essential for normal growth and development [16]. IGF-1 is closely related to the GH level and plays a crucial role in promoting the growth and development of bones, particularly in the growth plates [17]. It has been reported that children with ISS might exhibit lower IGF-1 levels compared to the average values observed in healthy children [18]. The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate, is a specialized cartilaginous region at the ends of long bones where bone growth occurs during childhood and adolescence [19]. IGF-1 circulates in the bloodstream, primarily bound to IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and acid-labile subunit (ALS), forming a ternary complex (IGF-1/IGFBP-3/ALS) [20]. As the ternary complex reaches the growth plate, it interacts with specific IGF-1 receptors located on the surface of chondrocytes, which are the cells responsible for bone growth [21]. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-2 (PAPPA-2) is a metalloproteinase enzyme that plays a role in cleaving IGFBP. Specifically, it proteolyzes IGFBP-3, leading to an increase in the bioavailability of IGF-1 [22].

3. Regulator of Growth Plate Chondrogenesis

The growth plate, comprising the resting zone (RZ), proliferative zone (PZ), and hypertrophic zone (HZ), is a crucial structure involved in bone development [23]. According to previous reports on the mechanistic pathways of human height growth [24], chondrocytes in the RZ are irregularly distributed within the cartilage matrix layer, while those in the PZ and HZ align in columns parallel to the bone’s long axis. The RZ acts as a reservoir of precursor cells that support growth plate maintenance and contribute to bone growth. The PZ plays a crucial role in endochondral bone formation as it hosts active cell replication. Similarly, the HZ consists of chondrocytes derived from the terminal differentiation of PZ chondrocytes located the farthest from the epiphysis. These hypertrophic chondrocytes cease dividing and undergo significant enlargement, making substantial contributions to the overall growth process (Figure 2).

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), known for its potent ability to induce osteogenic differentiation, binds to its BMP receptor (BMPR) and activates the Smad signaling (canonical signaling) pathway, thereby stimulating bone formation [25]. In addition to Smad signaling (canonical signaling), the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, which represents a non-canonical pathway for BMP-2, activates p38 MAP kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase (JNK), leading to the osteogenesis-specific promotion of bone formation through the activation of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) transcription factor [26]. Recently, the growth plate has gained increasing importance in the study of the genetic causes of short stature. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play a crucial role in the growth plate. Among these factors, the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3) negatively regulates growth plate chondrogenesis [27]. The activation of FGFR3 stimulates various pathways, including Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein phosphatase 2a (PP2a), which in turn trigger downstream signals (p107, p21Waf1/Cip1, and Sox9) [28]. This leads to the suppression of chondrocyte proliferation while also regulating matrix production and chondrocyte differentiation. Another significant factor is Short stature homeobox (SHOX), a transcriptional activator expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes. SHOX plays a role in stimulating and coordinating chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. It achieves this by activating natriuretic peptide precursor B gene (NPPB) and inhibiting FGFR3 expression, thereby promoting longitudinal growth. Additionally, SHOX interacts with the SOX trio (SOX9, SOX5, and SOX6 genes), which are involved in cartilage matrix production. Defects in the SHOX gene impact approximately 2–15% of children classified as ISS, with the prevalence varying based on the study and the cohort of children examined [29]. Indeed, genome-wide association (GWA) studies suggested that the major effect on height variability is due to rare variants in the genes involved in growth plate development [30].

4. Animal Models for Studying the Effect of Longitudinal Bone Growth

Hypophysectomy was performed in rats to establish an animal model of growth hormone deficiency [31]. Evidence from animal models shows that hypophysectomy in rats significantly decreased body weight, tail length, and bone lengths, as well as bone mineral density. These results improved to normal levels with the treatment of growth hormone through daily injections of 0.25 mg/kg of rhGH [32]. However, hypophysectomy also renders the animals deficient in other growth-regulating hormone systems. Therefore, GH deficiency produced by hypophysectomy may not be the ideal model to study the growth effects of hormone replacement strategies [33]. As summarized in the Table in Section 5.20, to assess the impact of the extract on bone length growth, mainly predominantly adolescent Sprague–Dawley (SD) or Wistar rats aged 3 to 4 weeks, specifically targeting the stage before the adolescent phase [34], were used. Most extracts were administered orally, with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) used as a positive control. During the in vivo experiment, changes in body weight and lengths from the nose to the tail or anus in response to extract administration were assessed. After sacrifice, changes in the lengths of the growth plate were measured following tetracycline labeling using fluorescence microscopy [35]. It also determined the levels of proteins associated with bone growth-related biomarkers, such as IGF-1, BMP-2, and IGFBP-3, in both serum and tissue-sectioned growth plates. Additionally, bone mineral contents (BMCs) and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or micro-CT equipment.

5. Natural Products-Derived Extracts, including Herbal Formulations, for Short Stature

Multiple studies have demonstrated that changes in bone growth-related biomarkers, such as IGF-1, BMP-2, and IGFBP-3, contribute significantly to the development of longitudinal bone growth. Therefore, targeting these markers through the regulation of growth hormone has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ISS [36]. Many natural products, including herbal formulations, have been found to exert enhancing effects on longitudinal bone growth in animal models by increasing IGF-1, BMP-2, and IGFBP-3 levels in both the serum and tissue-sectioned growth plates. These studies suggest that natural products may enhance longitudinal bone growth by regulating IGF-1. Figure 3 and Table 1 present a summary of the natural products that have been found to possess the potential to alleviate longitudinal bone growth.

5.1. Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus and Barley Mixture (EEM)

E. sessiliflorus is a medicinal herb with a range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-obesity properties [37]. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) stands out as one of the most crucial crops globally. Barley has been demonstrated to effectively remove superoxide anion radicals [38]. In vivo experiments have confirmed that EEM, a standardized mixture of these two components, E. sessiliflorus and barley, promotes bone length growth in rats [39]. Briefly, the length of the proximal tibial growth plate was increased by the oral administration of EEM 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 7 days in female adolescent SD rats. Indeed, the administration of EEM markedly increased the intensity of IGF-1 expressions in the proliferative and hypertrophic zones of growth plate. Also, EEM was significantly increased in liver IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 mRNA expressions [39].

5.2. Astragalus membranaceus Mixture (HT042)

HT042 is a mixed herbal formulation comprising the dried roots of Phlomis umbrosa, the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, and the stem barks of Eleutherococcus senticosus [40]. The group treated with HT042 at a dosage of 100 mg/kg for four days showed a significant increase in the proximal tibia growth plate of female SD rats. Additionally, the number of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells in the HT042 group was significantly higher compared to that of the control group in the tibia growth plate. Moreover, the expression levels of BMP-2 and IGF-1 were notably elevated in the PZ and HZ of growth plate in the HT042-treated group. The randomized controlled trial demonstrated that supplementation with HT042 for 23 weeks increased height growth in children who had not yet reached skeletal maturation [11]. This effect was attributed to elevated levels of serum IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 [41]. HT042 has been recognized as a standardized functional food ingredient approved by the KFDA, 2014, with the statement that ‘May support physical growth of young children’.

5.3. Humulus japonicus Mixture (MH)

H. japonicus, commonly known as Japanese hops, is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases [42]. In an in vivo study, it was observed that nose–tail length gain, body weight gain, and femur and tibia length significantly increased in the group treated with H. japonicus water extracts combined with garlic and watermelon powder (MH) at dosages of 100 and 300 mg/kg for 5 weeks in adolescent female SD rats. Additionally, the bone mineral density of the trabecular bone was significantly increased in the MH-treated group, especially at a dosage of 300 mg/kg [43]. These effects may be attributed to the enhancement in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels via the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling pathway in the liver [44], as described in Figure 1.

5.4. Yukmijihwang-Tang (YJT) Herbal Formulation

Yukmijihwang-tang (YJT) contains six medicinal herbs, such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, Dioscorea batatas, Alisma orientale, Poria cocos, and Paeonia suffruticosa, in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) [45]. YJT is widely used in TKM to treat age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease [46]. An in vivo study showed that YJT, at a dosage of 300 mg/kg in the treated group, significantly increased the length of the proximal tibia in the growth plate of female SD rats. Moreover, YJT stimulated the expression of IGF-1 and BMP-2 in the proximal tibial growth plate [47]. A survey study showed that some oriental medicine clinics primarily use YJT for promoting height growth in children [48], but there is a lack of scientific clinical evidence to support this.

5.5. Jaoga-Yukmiwon (JY) Herbal Formulation

Jaoga-Yukmiwon (JY) consists of the alcohol extracts of seven medicinal herbs: Acanthopanax senticosus, Rehmannia glutinosa, Poria cocos, Dioscorea japonica, Cornus officinalis, Cervus Nippon, and Panax ginseng. JY is an herbal formulation from TKM used for the treatment of growth disorders [10]. The administration of JY at a dosage of 100 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the tibial length and the induction of BMP-2 in the tibial growth plates in adolescent male SD rats [49].

5.6. Siwu Decoction

Siwu decoction, consisting of Angelica sinensis, Cnidium officinale, Paeonia lactiflora, and steam-prepared root of Rehmannia glutinosa, has traditional uses for pain relief, anemia improvement, and blood circulation. The main ingredients responsible for these effects are quercetin, kaempferol, cytoglucide, apigenin, and stigmasterol [50]. Administered as water extracts to 33-day-old SD rats twice daily for 4 days, it promoted cartilage cell proliferation and new bone formation in the growth plate. Additionally, in the proximal tibial growth plate, the Siwo decoction increased IGF-1 and BMP-2 expressions [51].

5.7. Phlomis umbrosa

The P. umbrosa root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance muscular and skeletal strength and to address fractures. In previous reports, P. umbrosa was found to possess various properties, including anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive effects [52]. These effects are likely attributed to the presence of various active compounds, such as sesamoside, shanzhiside methyl ester, chlorogenic acid, and barlerin [53]. When administered orally at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg for 10 consecutive days, P. umbrosa root 70% ethanol extracts markedly increased longitudinal bone growth within the proximal tibial growth plate in adolescent SD female rats (5-weeks-old), consistent with findings showing a significant increase in the number of BrdU-labeled chondrocytes in the P. umbrosa groups at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg. Moreover, P. umbrosa root extracts elevated serum IGFBP-3 levels and stimulated the expressions of IGF-1 and BMP-2 in the proximal tibial growth plate. These animal study results were similar to the rhGH-treated groups (200 μg/kg, s.c.) used as the positive control [54].

5.8. Allium fistulosum

A. fistulosum is a perennial plant species that grows globally and belongs to the Liliaceae family. Previous studies reported the effects of A. fistulosum on antioxidant activity [55]. Administering 450 mg/kg of A. fistulosum water extracts significantly increased the length of the proximal tibial growth plate and bone mineral density in C57BL/6 mice (4-weeks-old) that were fed a diet deficient in vitamin D and calcium for 5 weeks. The in vivo serum analysis demonstrated that A. fistulosum extracts elevated bone formation markers, such as alkaline phosphatase, and exhibited the potential to stimulate bone growth through mechanisms involving calcium, osteocalcin, and collagen type 1 [56].

5.9. Allium macrostemon

A. macrostemon, as an important medicinal and edible herb, has been used to treat some diseases for thousands of years in China [57]. Steroidal saponins, a class of oligoglycosides, are the major active compounds in A. macrostemon, and they have biological activities, including hypoglycemic, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects [58]. The administration of A. macrostemon 30% ethanol extracts at a dosage of 100 mg/kg for 10 days significantly increased the proximal tibial length of female SD rats. Additionally, the levels of IGF-1 and BMP-2 were significantly increased in the growth plate of the A. macrostemon-treated group [59].

5.10. Amomum villosum

A. villosum has been traditionally used to improve gastrointestinal motility in traditional medicine [60]. When administered at a dosage of 500 mg/kg for 5 days, A. villosum extracts significantly increased the length of the proximal tibial growth plate in female SD rats [61]. BrdU-labeled cells were also significantly observed in the chondrocytes treated with A. villosum extracts. Furthermore, the expression levels of BMP-2 and IGF-1 were notably elevated in the pre-hypertrophic and hypertrophic zones of the A. villosum extracts-treated group. These effects were similar to those observed in the group treated with rhGH.

5.11. Eucommia ulmoides

E. ulmoides is well-known as a tonic medicinal herb for the treatment of bone diseases in traditional Chinese medicine [62]. Geniposidic acid, geniposide, and aucubin from E. ulmoides have been shown to increase bone metabolism [63]. In the group treated with E. ulmoides 70% ethanol extracts at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 4 days, there was a significant enhancement in the length of the proximal tibial growth plate due to the promotion of chondrogenesis in the growth plate, along with increased levels of BMP-2 and IGF-1 in adolescent female SD rats [64].

5.12. Phyllostachyos caulis

P. caulis, well-known as the stem of giant timber bamboo, is used for the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine [65]. It has various biological effects, such as those related to inflammatory diseases [66]. When administered at a concentration of 200 mg/kg of bamboo extract for 10 days to female SD rats, there was a significant increase in the total tibial length, which was attributed to the heights of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones in the tibia. Additionally, the ratio of BrdU-positive to total cells also increased. Furthermore, the levels of serum osteocalcin, GH, and IGF-1 were significantly elevated in the group treated with bamboo extract at a dosage of 200 mg/kg [67].

5.13. Phellodendron amurense

P. amurense is one of the major plants in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used traditionally in folk medicine for hepatitis, dysentery, and gynaecological inflammation [68]. P. amurense contains mainly isoquinoline alkaloids, such as berberine chloride [69]. When administered at dosages of 100 and 300 mg/kg for 41 days, P. amurense extracts significantly increased the length of the proximal tibial growth plate in female SD rats without changes in food intake or body weights. The levels of IGF-1 and BMP-2 in the proliferative zones of the tibial growth plate significantly increased in the P. amurense extract-treated groups. Moreover, P. amurense had no significant effects on vaginal opening, ovarian weights, and uterine weights [70].

5.14. Velvet Antler

Velvet antler (VA), sourced from young male deer antlers, has a long history of use in Asian countries for its immune-boosting, stamina-enhancing, and bone health benefits. In a study on male SD rats (3-week-old), a 100 mg/kg dose of VA for 5 days significantly increased bone density, growth plate height, and BMP-2 expression. When applied to MG-63 cells, VA also stimulated cell proliferation, ALP activity, collagen synthesis, calcium deposition, and increased mRNA levels of collagen, ALP, and osteocalcin [71].

5.15. Euphausia superba

Antarctic krill (E. superba) is the largest source of animal protein, and its protein contains all eight essential amino acids, making it a valuable source of potential future food [72]. The peptides from E. superba, (AKPs) significantly increased longitudinal bone growth and improved bone strength, contributing to the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in the growth plate. This was achieved through the elevation of serum GH and IGF-1 levels, activating the GH/IGF-1 axis signaling pathways. Additionally, AKPs induced the secretion and expression of BMP-2 [73].

5.16. Tachypleus tridentatus

T. tridentatus, a marine animal used in traditional Chinese medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hemostatic, and anti-diarrheal properties. When the plasma of T. tridentatus was administered to the female Wistar rats (4-week-old), it exhibited a positive correlation with the rat’s body weight, body length, and tail length. Furthermore, it promoted the growth of the femur and tibia, along with the expansion of the growth plate. Additionally, at a dosage of 200 mg/kg, T. tridentatus plasma increased serum levels of ALP, BMP-2, and IGF-1 in rats. Additionally, it significantly upregulated mRNA expression levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 [74].

5.17. Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are crucial dietary elements that need to be acquired from food sources [75]. It was shown that exposure to high concentrations of omega-3 FAs (EPA, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and linoleic acid) for 16 weeks accelerates bone growth through alterations of the growth plate, associated with increased chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in a fat-1 transgenic female mice (3-week-old) [76].

5.18. p-Coumaric Acid

Naturally occurring plant phenolic acids may have a beneficial impact on the skeletal system [77]. Among these phenolic acids, p-coumaric acid stands out due to its effective inhibition of bone resorption and promotion of bone formation [78]. In a study involving 3-week-old male SD rats, the oral administration of a 100 mg/kg dose of p-coumaric acid for 10 days resulted in a significant increase in tibial length and the height of each growth plate zone. Moreover, there was a notable elevation in the expression of IGF-1 and its receptor within the proliferative and hypertrophic zones, along with increased serum levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 in the group treated with p-coumaric acid [79].

5.19. Oat and Green Onion Root Water Extracts

Orally administered oat and green onion water extracts (GOO) at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg for 10 consecutive days significantly increased longitudinal bone growth in the tibia and femur length by promoting the proliferation of the growth plates in adolescent SD male rats (3-weeks-old). Furthermore, GOO elevated the secretion of the growth hormone [80].

5.20. Tomato (MYB12-TOM)

MYB12-TOM, a genetically engineered flavonol-enriched tomato fruit, was enhanced more than 5-fold compared to wildtype tomato. In a study on female BALB/c mice (3-weeks-old), a 100 mg/kg dose of MYB12-TOM for 6 weeks significantly increased tibial growth and BMP-2 expression for hypertrophic cells compared to the vehicle and wildtype tomato [81].

Table 1. Natural product-derived extracts, including herbal formulations, for longitudinal bone growth.

Source	Animals	Analysis	Effective Dose	Components	Standardized Compounds	Ref.
Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus and barley mixture (EEM)	Female SD rat (5-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2 IGFBP-3	200 mg/kg for 10 days	Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus Barley (Hordeum vulgare)	Eleutheroside E Tricin	[39]
Astragalus membranaceus mixture (HT042)	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Body weight Nose–tail and anus lengths Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 4 days	Phlomis umbrosa Astragalus membranaceus Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus	Chlorogenic acid Caffeic acid Eleutheroside E Ferulic acid Formononetin Shanzhiside methylester	[40]
Humulus japonicus mixture (MH)	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old) Hypophysectomized male and female SD rats (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 IGFBP-3 JAK2 STAT5	100 mg/kg for 5 weeks	Humulus japonicas Garlic and watermelon powder	-	[43,44]
Yukmijihwangtang herbal formulation (YJT)	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2 IGFBP-3	100 mg/kg for 4 days	Rehmannia glutinosa Cornus officinalis Dioscorea batatas Alisma orientale Poria cocos Paeonia suffruticosa	5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde Paeoniflorin	[47]
Jaoga-Yukmiwon (JY) herbal formulation	Male SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 5 days	Acanthopanax senticosus Rehmannia glutinosa Poria cocos Dioscorea japonica Cornus officinalis Cervus nippon Panax ginseng	-	[49]
Siwu decotion	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 and 300 mg/kg for 4 days	Angelica sinensis Cnidium officinale Paeonia lactiflora Rehmannia glutinosa	Ligustilide 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldahyde Paeoniflorin	[51]
Phlomis umbrosa	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2 IGFBP-3	1000 mg/kg for 10 days	-	Shanzhiside methyl ester	[54]
Allium fistulosum	C57BL/6 mice (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length BMD and BMC Serum ALP, OC, and pro-collagen I alpha 1, calcium	100 mg/kg for 4 weeks	-	N-trans-coumaroyl tyramine N-trans-feruloyltyramine N-trans-feruloyl-3′-methoxytyramine N-trans-decursidate	[56]
Allium macrostemon	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Body weight Food intake Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 10 days	-	-	[59]
Amomum villosum	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Body weight Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	500 mg/kg for 4 days	-	-	[61]
Eucommia ulmoides	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 4 days	-	Geniposide	[64]
Phyllostachyos Caulis	Male SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 osteocalcin	200 mg/kg for 4 days	-	-	[67]
Phellodendron amurense	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	300 mg/kg for 41 days		Berberine chloride	[70]
Velvet Antler	Male SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length BMP-2 ALP activity, collagen synthesis, calcium, osteocalcin	100 mg/kg for 5days	-	-	[71]
Euphausia superba	Male ICR mice (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length GH IGF-1 BMP-2	300 mg/kg for 21 days	-	-	[73]
Tachypleus tridentatus	Female Wistar rats (4-week-old)	Body weight, body length, and tail length IGF-1 BMP-2	200 mg/kg for 14 days	-	-	[74]
Omega-3	Fat-1 transgenic female mice (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length	-	-	-	[76]
p-coumaric acid	Male SD rats (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length Growth hormone IGF-1	100 mg/kg for 10 days	-	-	[79]
Oat and green onion root water extracts	Male SD rats (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length Growth hormone	300 mg/kg for 10 days	-	-	[80]
Tomato (MYB12-TOM)	Female BALB/c mice (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 6 weeks	-	-	[81]

Table 1. Natural product-derived extracts, including herbal formulations, for longitudinal bone growth.

Source	Animals	Analysis	Effective Dose	Components	Standardized Compounds	Ref.
Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus and barley mixture (EEM)	Female SD rat (5-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2 IGFBP-3	200 mg/kg for 10 days	Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus Barley (Hordeum vulgare)	Eleutheroside E Tricin	[39]
Astragalus membranaceus mixture (HT042)	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Body weight Nose–tail and anus lengths Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 4 days	Phlomis umbrosa Astragalus membranaceus Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus	Chlorogenic acid Caffeic acid Eleutheroside E Ferulic acid Formononetin Shanzhiside methylester	[40]
Humulus japonicus mixture (MH)	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old) Hypophysectomized male and female SD rats (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 IGFBP-3 JAK2 STAT5	100 mg/kg for 5 weeks	Humulus japonicas Garlic and watermelon powder	-	[43,44]
Yukmijihwangtang herbal formulation (YJT)	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2 IGFBP-3	100 mg/kg for 4 days	Rehmannia glutinosa Cornus officinalis Dioscorea batatas Alisma orientale Poria cocos Paeonia suffruticosa	5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde Paeoniflorin	[47]
Jaoga-Yukmiwon (JY) herbal formulation	Male SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 5 days	Acanthopanax senticosus Rehmannia glutinosa Poria cocos Dioscorea japonica Cornus officinalis Cervus nippon Panax ginseng	-	[49]
Siwu decotion	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 and 300 mg/kg for 4 days	Angelica sinensis Cnidium officinale Paeonia lactiflora Rehmannia glutinosa	Ligustilide 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldahyde Paeoniflorin	[51]
Phlomis umbrosa	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2 IGFBP-3	1000 mg/kg for 10 days	-	Shanzhiside methyl ester	[54]
Allium fistulosum	C57BL/6 mice (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length BMD and BMC Serum ALP, OC, and pro-collagen I alpha 1, calcium	100 mg/kg for 4 weeks	-	N-trans-coumaroyl tyramine N-trans-feruloyltyramine N-trans-feruloyl-3′-methoxytyramine N-trans-decursidate	[56]
Allium macrostemon	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Body weight Food intake Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 10 days	-	-	[59]
Amomum villosum	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Body weight Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	500 mg/kg for 4 days	-	-	[61]
Eucommia ulmoides	Female SD rat (4-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 4 days	-	Geniposide	[64]
Phyllostachyos Caulis	Male SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 osteocalcin	200 mg/kg for 4 days	-	-	[67]
Phellodendron amurense	Female SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length IGF-1 BMP-2	300 mg/kg for 41 days		Berberine chloride	[70]
Velvet Antler	Male SD rat (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length BMP-2 ALP activity, collagen synthesis, calcium, osteocalcin	100 mg/kg for 5days	-	-	[71]
Euphausia superba	Male ICR mice (3-weeks-old)	Proximal tibial length GH IGF-1 BMP-2	300 mg/kg for 21 days	-	-	[73]
Tachypleus tridentatus	Female Wistar rats (4-week-old)	Body weight, body length, and tail length IGF-1 BMP-2	200 mg/kg for 14 days	-	-	[74]
Omega-3	Fat-1 transgenic female mice (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length	-	-	-	[76]
p-coumaric acid	Male SD rats (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length Growth hormone IGF-1	100 mg/kg for 10 days	-	-	[79]
Oat and green onion root water extracts	Male SD rats (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length Growth hormone	300 mg/kg for 10 days	-	-	[80]
Tomato (MYB12-TOM)	Female BALB/c mice (3-week-old)	Proximal tibial length BMP-2	100 mg/kg for 6 weeks	-	-	[81]

6. Methods

Reference lists were searched for studies published up to 20 September 2023, using the keywords “longitudinal bone growth”, “growth plate”, “idiopathic short stature”, “chondrogenesis”, and “natural products”. When searching these reviews, we did not apply any restrictions on the origin of the material or study design. We excluded articles published in languages other than English.

7. Conclusions

The effectiveness of the long-term administration of therapeutic agents used for idiopathic short stature (ISS), such as recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), aromatase inhibitors, metformin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), remains a topic of controversy. Consequently, there is an expectation of positive outcomes from easily accessible traditional herbal medicine complexes or health supplements. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the clear mechanisms of their effects or their potential toxicity. In Korea, only the Astragalus extract mixture HT042 has been approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) to promote height growth in children. Several herbal formulations based on traditional medicine have the potential to improve bone growth, although their effectiveness is controversial. Ongoing research efforts are actively working to uncover a clear mechanism, emphasizing the importance of a scientific approach. Most animal experiments primarily focus on changes in growth hormone, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and BMP-2 markers. Since GWA studies suggested that the major effect on height variability is due to rare variants in genes involved in growth plate development, it is necessary to conduct research on various biomarkers, such as the activation of FGFs or SHOX, which stimulate various pathways, including the signal transducer in growth plate. As it can be seen in the summarized research results in Table 1, it was confirmed that the majority of extracts containing herbal formulations were orally administered over a short period, ranging from 4 to 10 days during the experimental phase. These short-term studies show clinical limitations in which the effects of bone age maturation cannot be expected. Consequently, it is crucial to assess the efficacy of bone length growth following prolonged administration. Ensuring the safety of long-term extract administration is also of utmost importance. We believe that this mini-review provides a foundational overview for investigating the efficacy of these treatments. Indeed, although toxicological and pharmacological studies are required to determine their safety in humans, natural products, including herbal medicines, are potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of short stature.