effects of Cosmos caudatus [Ulam Raja] supplementation on bone biochemical parameters in ovariectomized rats

Cosmos caudatus [ulam raja] contains high mineral content and possesses high antioxidant activity which may be beneficial in bone disorder such as postmenopausal osteoporosis. The effects of C. caudatus on bone metabolism biomarkers in ovariectomized rats were studied. 48 Sprague-Dawley rats aged three months were divided into 6 groups. One group of rats was sham-operated while the remaining rats were ovariectomized. The ovariectomized rats were further divided into 5 groups: the control, three groups force-fed with C. caudatus at the doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg or 300mg/kg and another group supplemented with calcium 1% ad libitum. Treatments were given 6 days per week for a period of eight weeks. Blood samples were collected twice; before and after treatment. Parameters measured were bone resorbing cytokine; interleukin-1 and the bone biomarkers; osteocalcin and pyridinoline. Serum IL-1 and pyridinoline levels were significantly increased in ovariectomized rats. Supplementation of C. caudatus was able to prevent the increase of IL-1 and pyridinoline in ovariectomized rats. Besides that, C. caudatus showed the same effect as calcium 1% on biochemical parameters of bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. In conclusion, Cosmos caudatus was as effective as calcium in preventing the increase in bone resorption in ovariectomized rats

effects of piper sarmentosum water extract on the expression and activity of 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the bones with excessive glucocorticoids

Long-term glucocorticoid therapy causes secondary osteoporosis leading to pathological fractures. Glucocorticoid action in bone is dependant upon the activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme [11beta-HSD1]. Piper sarmentosum is a local herb that possesses the ability to inhibit 11-betaHSD1 enzyme activity. We aimed to determine the effects of Piper sarmentosum water extract on 11-betaHSD1 expressions and activity in the bones of glucocorticoid-treated adrenalectomized rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats [200-250 g] were used. Twenty-four animals were adrenalectomized and received intramuscular injection of dexamethasone [120 microg/kg/day]. They were simultaneously administered with either Piper sarmentosum water extract [125 mg/kg/day], GCA [120 mg/kg/day] or distilled water as vehicle by oral gavage for two months. Eight animals were sham-operated and given vehicle daily, i.e. intramuscular olive oil and oral distilled water. Following two months treatment, dexamethasonetreated adrenalectomized rats had significantly lower 11beta-HSD1 dehydrogenase activity and higher 11beta-HSD1 expression in the femoral bones compared to the sham-operated and baseline group. The rats supplemented with Piper sarmentosum water extract had significantly higher 11beta-HSD1 dehydrogenase activity and lower 11beta-HSD1 expression in the bones. The results showed that Piper sarmentosum water extract had the ability to prevent glucocorcoticoid excess in the bones of glucocorticoid-treated adrenalectomized rats through the local modulation of 11beta-HSD1 expression and activity, and may be used as prophylaxis for osteoporosis in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment