Experiments using a rat model of OA and human chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353 revealed that CZE and its marker compound, linarin, can decrease the catabolism of articular cartilage via downregulation of ECM-degrading enzymes (MMPs and ADAMTSs) and increase the anabolism via upregulation of SOX9 and ECM synthesis-related genes transcribed by SOX9. The gene discussed is SOX9; the disease is chondrosarcoma.