Effect of total flavonoids of Epimedium sagittatum and its metabolites on osteoblast proliferation and function expression / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Epimedium sagittatum(TFE)and its metabolites on the proliferation and function expression of newborn rats calvarial osteoblasts(ROB).Methods TFE was supplemented into the culture medium of ROB at 0.2,2,20,100 and 200 mg?L-1 respectively.The serum of rats administered TFES(SRAT) was also added into the medium in a parallel treatment at 2%,4%,8% and 16% respectively.Their effects on cell proliferation and function expression were studied by MTT and the analysis of osteogenic differentiation marks.Results TFE had no effect on cell proliferation and function expression at any concentration.However,2% and 4% SRAT stimulated cell proliferation and,4% SRAT promoted the maturation and function of osteoblast by improving the alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity,bone gla protein(BGP) secretion,calcium deposition and the number of mineralized nodular structures.Conclusions The effective substance of herba epimedii treating on osteoporosis is not TFE itself but certain of metabolites derived from TFE and the products induced by these metabolites in serum.The metabolites in serum of TFE may enhance the cell function expression and proliferation.