Application and prospect of exosomes combined with Chinese herbal medicine in orthopedics

Exosomes are vesicle-like bodies of that are actively secreted by cells to the extracellular surrounding with a diameter of 40–100 nm. They have several physiological functions, such as cell-cell communication, antitumor immunity, and angiogenesis promotion. Exosomes have many important roles and are extensively distributed in various fluids throughout the body, and therefore, they are of significant interest to researchers in diverse fields. Based on the characteristics and physiological functions of exosomes, this review summarizes the research progression regarding the role of exosomes in the field of orthopedics in recent years and highlights the association between exosomes and Chinese herbal medicines, to contribute to the application of exosomes in orthopedics and Chinese herbal medicines in the future. Moreover,the combined application of Chinese herbal medicines and exosomes can promote the modernization of Chinese herbal medicines.