ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of total flavonoid extract of Epimedium sagittatum (TFE) on the proliferation and differentiation of newborn rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROB).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>TFE was supplemented into the culture medium of ROB at 0. 1, 1, 10 and 100 microg x mL(-1) respectively. The serum of rats administered TFES (SRAT) was also added into the medium in a parallel treatment at 2.5%, 5% and 10% respectively. Their effects on cell proliferation and differentiation was studied by MTT and the analysis of osteogenic differentiation marks.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>TFE had no appreciable and on cell proliferation and differentiation at any concentration. However, 2.5% and 5% SRAT stimulated cell proliferation strongly and, 5% SRAT significantly promoted the maturation and function of osteoblast by improving the alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion, calcium deposition and the number of mineralized nodular structures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The metabolites of TFE should be the anti-osteoporosis constitutes of Epimedium sagittatum.</p>