Chitosan Polysaccharides for Osteoporosis Therapy in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a common degenerative disease in postmenopausal women, characterized by a loss of bone density and skeletal fragility, increasing fracture risk. This chapter examines the use of chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived from chitin, as a therapeutic agent in osteoporosis treatment. Chitosan's unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to form three-dimensional structures, make it a promising candidate for bone therapies. The chapter also analyzes chemical and functional modifications to chitosan that enhance its bioactive effects and drug delivery capabilities, offering promising perspectives for non-hormonal osteoporosis treatments.