Effects of water extract from Ligustri Lucidi Fructus on bone structure and metabolism in ovariectomized rats / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the protecting and regulatory effects of water extract from Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) on bone structure and bone metabolism in osteoporosis rats. Methods: SD female rats were bilaterally ovariectomized to establish osteoporosis model, and Sham operated rats only cut the fat around the ovary. Experimental rats were divided into four groups Sham operation (SHAM) group, model (OVX) group, alendronic acid sodium (ALN) group, and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) group, with nine rats in each group. The rats in FLL group were given FLL water extract (3.5 g/kg) and rats in ALL group were given ALN suspension (0.12 g/kg) by ig administration for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiments, the contents of serum and urine calcium (S-Ca) and phosphorus (S-P), urine creatinine (U-Ca/Cr and U-P/Cr), serum high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were measured by biochemical methods. The levels of collagen I amino terminal peptide (PINP), collagen I carboxyl terminal peptide (CTX-I), osteocalcin (OCN), and urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were measured with ELISA. The determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was by radioimmunoassay method. To evaluate the change of bone tissue structure, the bone density instrument, VivaCT, and a universal testing machine were used. Results: FLL could inhibit the increased body weight of ovariectomy (OVX) rats, increase S-Ca, S-P, serum HDL and PINP contents, reduce urinary U-Ca/Cr and U-P/Cr ratios, reduce serum LDL-C, TC, TG, ALP, OCN, CTX, and reduce urinary DPD content (P < 0.05 or 0.01) in OVX rats. Meanwhile, FLL can elevate the femur head and vertebral bone mineral density, bone micro-structure and bone strength in OVX rats. Conclusion: FLL can improve the bone density and bone strength in OVX rats by regulating Ca and P metabolism, collagen and non-collagen metabolism.