Ameliorative effects of Osteo-F, a newly developed herbal formula, on osteoporosis via activation of bone formation

J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Mar 25:268:113590. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113590. Epub 2020 Nov 17.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The fruit of Schizandra chinensis and Lycium chinense, and the root of Eucommia ulmoides, components of Osteo-F, has traditionally been used for treating bone diseases in Korean Medicine.

Aim of the study: The exact role and underlying mechanism of Osteo-F herbal formula on bone formation in osteoporosis was investigated in the present study.

Materials and methods: OVX mice were treated with 0.9, 9 and 90 mg/kg of Osteo-F for 4 weeks. Bone tissues including fourth to sixth lumbar vertebrae (LV) and femur were collected to analyze the bone mineral density (BMD). In addition, serum biomarkers were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of collagen, BMP-2 and osteopontin were determined in tibia to clarify the bone anabolic effects of Osteo-F in osteoporosis.

Results: The levels of BMD in both of fourth to sixth LV and femur were significantly increased by Osteo-F treatment in OVX mice. Bone mineral content (BMC) was also elevated in Osteo-F-treated LV and femoral bone tissues. In addition, serum osteocalcin was markedly increased by Osteo-F in osteoporotic mice. Serum ALP and bALP levels were neutralized in Osteo-F 90 mg/kg-administered mice. Furthermore, Osteo-F treatment dramatically increased the mRNA expressions of collagen type I, BMP-2 and OPN in tibial bone specimens.

Conclusions: Osteo-F ameliorated bone loss by increasing bone forming molecules including BMP-2 and OPN in osteoporosis. Osteo-F, a newly developed herbal formula, may be an alternative material for the management of osteoporosis with bone anabolic effects.

Keywords: BMD; BMP-2; OPN; Osteo-F; Osteocalcin; Osteoporosis; bALP.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Density / drug effects*
  • Bone Density / physiology
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / chemistry
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / isolation & purification
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use*
  • Eucommiaceae*
  • Female
  • Lycium*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Osteoporosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / etiology
  • Ovariectomy / adverse effects
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry
  • Plant Preparations / isolation & purification
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Schisandra*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Plant Preparations