| Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease, involving inflammatory responses in cartilage or chondrocytes, extracellular matrix degradation, oxidative stress, and other key molecular effects. Emodin, a natural anthraquinone compound, has attracted considerable attention for its pharmacological effects and mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. Research has shown that emodin alleviates inflammation-induced damage to articular cartilage by regulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also protects chondrocytes from oxidative damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, emodin regulates the metabolism of the extracellular matrix, inhibits the formation of matrix-degrading enzymes, and maintains the structure and function of articular cartilage. Moreover, it exerts protective effects on cartilage or chondrocytes by modulating complex pathological networks through relevant signaling pathways. These studies provide a theoretical basis for emodin as a candidate drug for osteoarthritis treatment. However, a systematic review of the intervention of emodin in osteoarthritis remains lacking. This article summarizes the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of emodin in osteoarthritis, providing a theoretical foundation for its further clinical application and offering references for related basic research. |