ABSTRACT
In order to examine the effectiveness of Kami-kihi-to for changing bone mass, we measured for osteopenia in ovariectomized (OV) rats using two methods: computed X-ray absorptiometry and a metabolism measuring system.<br>Materials and methods: 24 female Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 160-180g) were divided into three groups. Group one and group two Wistar rats were OV rats in which systemic osteoporosis was induced. After that group one (OVX [Kampo]) was administered Kami-kihi-to (500mg/kg) for 6 months. Group two (OVX [CTL]) was administered only water. Group three (NR) was untreated as the control. In each group, bone mineral density was measured before starting treatment and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment, and locomotor activity was determined before starting treatment and after 6 months of treatment.<br>Result: Bone mineral density showed little change over 6 months in the NR group. However, it was significantly lower in the OVX (CTL) group than in the NR group 3 months after ovariectomy. But in the OVX (Kampo) group, its decrease was obviously inhibited after 6 months of treatment compared with the OVX (CTL) group.<br>Moreover, in the NR group, the pattern of activity was regular. In the OVX groups, there was no clear difference between the active and resting phases and the pattern of activity was irregular. In the OVX (Kampo) group, the pattern of activity became diphasic, with clear active and resting phases as was observed in the NR group.<br>Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the pattern of regular activity affected increase of bone mass secondary due to the administration Kami-kihi-to.