Xelaglifam, a novel GPR40/FFAR1 agonist, exhibits enhanced ß-arrestin recruitment and sustained glycemic control for type 2 diabetes.

Xelaglifam, developed as a GPR40/FFAR1 agonist, induces glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduces circulating glucose levels for Type 2 diabetes treatment. This study investigated the effects of Xelaglifam in comparison with Fasiglifam on the in vitro/in vivo anti-diabetic efficacy and selectivity, and the mechanistic basis. In vitro studies on downstream targets of Xelaglifam were performed in GPR40-expressing cells. Xelaglifam treatment exhibited dose-dependent effects, increasing inositol phosphate-1, Ca2+ mobilization, and ß-arrestin recruitment (EC50: 0.76 nM, 20 nM, 68 nM), supporting its role in Gq protein-dependent and G-protein-independent mechanisms. Despite a lack of change in the cAMP pathway, the Xelaglifam-treated group demonstrated increased insulin secretion compared to Fasiglifam in HIT-T15 ß cells under high glucose conditions. High doses of Xelaglifam (<30 mg/kg) did not induce hypoglycemia in Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, Xelaglifam lowered glucose and increased insulin levels in diabetic rat models (GK, ZDF, OLETF). In GK rats, 1 mg/kg of Xelaglifam improved glucose tolerance (33.4 % and 15.6 % for the 1 and 5 h) after consecutive glucose challenges. Moreover, repeated dosing in ZDF and OLETF rats resulted in superior glucose tolerance (34 % and 35.1 % in ZDF and OLETF), reducing fasting hyperglycemia (18.3 % and 30 % in ZDF and OLETF) at lower doses; Xelaglifam demonstrated a longer-lasting effect with a greater effect on ß-cells including 3.8-fold enhanced insulin secretion. Co-treatment of Xelaglifam with SGLT-2 inhibitors showed additive or synergistic effects. Collectively, these results demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy and selectivity of Xelaglifam on GPR40, supportive of its potential for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

The Probiotic, ID-JPL934, Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice Through Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokines Expression.

Despite the increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), classified as immune-mediated disorders, the exact biological mechanisms leading to its development are undetermined, and treatment strategies remain elusive. Probiotics have been proposed as potential alternatives for treating IBD. The purpose of this research was to find therapeutic candidates of probiotics for colitis. We adopted dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of ID-JPL934, a mixture of three live bacterial strains at a 1:1:1 ratio: Lactobacillus johnsonii IDCC9203, Lactobacillus plantarum IDCC3501, and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis IDCC4301, on IBD. The severity was scored according to the disease activity index (DAI) for colitis by observing body weight (BW) and stool status of each mouse once a day. BALB/c mice given 3.5% DSS in drinking water suffered from symptoms of colitis such as weight loss, diarrhea, and bloody excrement. In our study, administration of ID-JPL934 reduced the DAI scores in a dose-dependent manner, and treatments with ID-JPL934 108 and 109 colony-forming unit per mouse per day showed similar inhibition compared with those of sulfasalazine 500 mg per kg BW per day. Moreover, the contraction of colon length improved. ID-JPL934 also suppressed inflammatory lesions such as infiltration of immune cells in mucosa and submucosa, severe crypt damage, and loss of goblet and epithelial cells on the histological analysis. These results might be due to downregulation of the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6. From these results, ID-JPL934 might be an effective therapeutic candidate for IBD.

Effects of ID-CBT5101 in Preventing and Alleviating Osteoarthritis Symptoms in a Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Rat Model.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the articular cartilage and osseous tissue, and can be worsened by aging, overweight status, and post-traumatic arthritis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of ID-CBT5101 (tyndallized Clostridium butyricum) on bone metabolism and the inflammatory response in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis. ID-CBT5101 was administered orally at doses of 108 or 1010 CFU/day for 2 weeks before direct injection of monosodium iodoacetate (3 mg/50 µl of 0.9% saline) into the intra-articular space of the rats' right knees. The rats subsequently received the same doses of oral ID-CBT5101 for another 4 weeks. We evaluated the treatment effects based on serum biomarkers, mRNA expression, morphological and histopathological analyses of the knee joints, and weight-bearing distribution analysis. Compared with those in control rats, the ID-CBT5101 treatments significantly reduced the serum concentration of inflammation and bone metabolism markers (i.e., COX-2, IL-6, LTB4, and COMP), and significantly increased the concentration of IFN-γ and glycosaminoglycans. In addition, the ID-CBT5101 treatments inhibited the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (i.e., MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2). Furthermore, the ID-CBT5101 treatments effectively preserved the knee cartilage and synovial membrane, and significantly decreased the amount of fibrous tissue. Moreover, compared with that of the negative control group, the ID-CBT5101 treatments increased the weight-bearing distribution by ≥20%. The results indicate that ID-CBT5101 prevented and alleviated osteoarthritis symptoms. Thus, ID-CBT5101 may be a novel therapeutic option for the management of osteoarthritis.

Alveolar Bone Protective Effect of Hiziki Extracts on the Progression of Periodontitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hiziki extract on alveolar bone loss, inflammation, and osteo-biomarker expression in hPDL cells (10, 50, 100 µg/ml final concentrations in culture medium) and on a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model (50, 100, 200 mg/kg with oral administration). Hiziki extract increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in hPDL cell. In western blot analysis, hiziki extract resulted in increased expression of osteoblast markers, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in hDPL cells. Additionally, expression of osteoclast markers and inflammatory cytokines was inhibited, which were receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), RANK receptor (RANKL) and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). Hiziki extract also prevented alveolar bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model through reducing the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CBJ-ABC) and furcation involvement. These findings suggested that hiziki extract has prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontitis through anti-inflammation and, anti-bone resorption effects and the inhibition of alveolar bone destruction.

Immunostimulatory Effect of Enzyme-Modified Hizikia fusiformein a Mouse Model In Vitro and Ex Vivo.

Hizikia fusiforme, a brown seaweed, has been utilized as a health food and in traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated whether enzyme-modified H. fusiforme extracts (EH) have immunological effects compared with normal H. fusiforme extracts (NH). The effects of NH and EH on immune responses were investigated by assessing nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and mice. Also, fucosterol was evaluated to find the active component of NH and EH by addressing cytotoxicity test and NO production. Both of NH and EH significantly increased cell viability and NO synthesis. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression was more induced by EH with LPS treatment. Phagocytic activity, as the primary function of macrophages, was markedly induced by EH treatment. Additionally, EH encouraged splenocyte proliferation and recovered the levels of cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in mice. Finally, fucosterol increased NO production with no cytotoxicity, which means that fucosterol is an active component of EH. In conclusion, EH has the potential to modulate immune function and could offer positive therapeutic effect for immune system diseases.

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of "enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex (BG11001)" for antiwrinkle and proelasticity in individuals with healthy skin.

BACKGROUND: During the aging process, skin shows visible changes, characterized by a loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles due to reduced collagen production and decreased elasticity of elastin fibers. Panax ginseng Meyer has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases due to its wide range of biological activities including skin protective effects. Ginsenosides are the main components responsible for the biological activities of ginseng. However, the protective activities of an enzymatic preparation of red ginseng against human skin aging have not been investigated. METHODS: The efficacy of an enzyme-treated powder complex of red ginseng (BG11001) in preventing human skin aging was evaluated by oral administration to 78 randomized individuals. All patients were requested to take three daily capsules containing either 750 mg of BG11001 or a placebo vehicle for 24 wk; at the end of the testing period, skin roughness, elasticity, and skin water content were measured. RESULTS: BG11001 significantly reduced the average roughness of eye wrinkles and the Global Photo Damage Score compared with the placebo, although there were no significant differences in arithmetic roughness average between the groups. In addition, gross elasticity and net elasticity values increased, and transepidermal water loss level decreased, indicating improved skin elasticity and moisture content. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract significantly improved eye wrinkle roughness, skin elasticity, and moisture content. Moreover, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract would be useful substance as a bio-health skin care product.

Fucoidan Prevents the Progression of Osteoarthritis in Rats.

This study investigated the effects of fucoidan (extract from Hizikia fusiforme) on symptoms and inflammatory cytokine activation in rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA). Forty male SD rats were divided into five groups, including normal, negative control (MIA), positive control (Lyprinol), and two experimental groups treated with 50 or 100 mg/kg fucoidan. Weight-bearing assessments were done after MIA injection into the right knee to induce OA. After 14 days of treatment, microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) images were made of rat knee joints, and then animals were sacrificed for joint histology and inflammatory cytokine level assessments. MIA injection successfully induced OA by causing 40% weight-bearing imbalance, severe bone loss and cartilage degeneration, and markedly increased cytokine levels. However, fucoidan groups showed over 45% of imbalance and no articular cartilage surface lesions or change in subchondral trabecular bones in Micro-CT images. Histological analysis revealed that cartilage morphology and cell counts were also normal in the 100 mg/kg fucoidan group. In addition, the 100 mg/kg fucoidan groups exhibited lower serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (30%), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) (48%), and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) (65%) compared to the MIA groups. These results suggest that administration of fucoidan prevents the progression of OA in a MIA-induced OA rat model.

Efficacy and Safety of Enzyme-Modified Panax ginseng for Anti-Wrinkle Therapy in Healthy Skin: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Human skin undergoes changes during aging that result from the synergistic effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may culminate in wrinkle formation, a characteristic of aged skin. Panax ginseng and ginsenosides have promising properties in preventing skin aging. Our previous study demonstrated that enzyme-modified ginseng extract (EG) has inhibitory effects against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced skin aging. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the preventive effects of EG on eye-wrinkle formation by applying EG cream in 23 randomized human subjects. Compared to the placebo, EG significantly reduced the global photo-damage score. In addition, total roughness (R1), smoothness depth (R4), and arithmetic roughness average (R5) were significantly decreased with use of EG. In a post-study questionnaire, subjects responded that EG was absorbed efficiently into the skin and was more potent in moisturizing and softening skin than the placebo. No participants reported adverse reactions to treatment. In conclusion, EG sufficiently suppressed eye wrinkle formation by decreasing various roughness measures on the basis of assessment with non-invasive devices. Therefore, our results indicate that EG is a promising anti-aging candidate that could be used as an ingredient in natural functional food and cosmetic products.

The Androgenic Alopecia Protective Effects of Forsythiaside-A and the Molecular Regulation in a Mouse Model.

This study examined the inhibitory effect of forsythiaside-A, a natural substance derived from Forsythia suspensa (F. suspensa), on entry into catagen induced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in an androgenic alopecia mouse model. In vitro experiment comparing finasteride with forsythiaside-A showed that forsythiaside-A treatment resulted in a 30% greater inhibition of DHT-induced apoptosis in human hair dermal papilla cell (HHDPCs) and human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). In vivo experiment showed that mouse hair density and thickness were increased by 50% and 30%, respectively, in the forsythiaside-A-treated group when compared to a DHT group. Tissue histological results revealed that the forsythiaside-A-treated group had an increase in size and shape of the hair follicles and a 1.5 times increase in the follicle anagen/telogen ratio when compared to the finasteride group. Western blot examination of TGF-ß2 expression related to apoptosis signaling in mouse skin verified that forsythiaside-A reduced the expression of TGF-ß2 by 75% and suppressed apoptosis by reducing the expression of caspase-9 by 40%, and caspase-3 by 53%, which play an roles up-regulator in the apoptosis signal. The forsythiaside-A group also showed a 60% increase in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, which is a factor related to mitochondrial apoptosis. Our results indicated that forsythiaside-A prevents apoptosis by similar mechanism with finasteride, but forsythiaside-A is more effective than finasteride. In summary, forsythiaside-A controlled the apoptosis of hair cells and retarded the entry into the catagen phase and therefore represents a natural product with much potential for use as a treatment for androgenic alopecia.

Effects of Galla chinensis extracts on UVB-irradiated MMP-1 production in hairless mice.

Galla chinensis (GAC) is a natural traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in folk medicine. Although GAC compounds (mainly gallic acid and methyl gallate) possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities, there is no report regarding topical or oral administration of GAC compounds on UVB irradiation-induced photoaging in hairless mice (SKH: HR-1). In the present study, we examined cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes induced by UVB in vitro. We also studied skin damage by measuring skin thickness, elasticity, wrinkling and levels of protein MMP-1, elastin, procollagen type I, and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in hairless mouse skin chronically irradiated by UVB in vivo. GAC treatment significantly prevented skin photoaging by reducing the levels of ROS, MMP-1, and IL-6 and promoting production of elastin, procollagen type I, and TGF-ß1. According to the results of H&E staining and Masson's trichrome staining, GAC reduced skin thickness and wrinkle formation while it increased skin elasticity. The effects of GAC on UVB-induced skin photoaging may be due to suppressed MMP-1 expression. These findings could be referenced for the development of new agents that target UVB-induced photoaging.

Ginsenoside F2 reduces hair loss by controlling apoptosis through the sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage activating protein and transforming growth factor-ß pathways in a dihydrotestosterone-induced mouse model.

This study was conducted to test whether ginsenoside F2 can reduce hair loss by influencing sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) and the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) pathway of apoptosis in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated hair cells and in a DHT-induced hair loss model in mice. Results for ginsenoside F2 were compared with finasteride. DHT inhibits proliferation of hair cells and induces androgenetic alopecia and was shown to activate an apoptosis signal pathway both in vitro and in vivo. The cell-based 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the proliferation rates of DHT-treated human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs) and HaCaTs increased by 48% in the ginsenoside F2-treated group and by 12% in the finasteride-treated group. Western blot analysis showed that ginsenoside F2 decreased expression of TGF-ß2 related factors involved in hair loss. The present study suggested a hair loss related pathway by changing SCAP related apoptosis pathway, which has been known to control cholesterol metabolism. SCAP, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and caspase-12 expression in the ginsenoside F2-treated group were decreased compared to the DHT and finasteride-treated group. C57BL/6 mice were also prepared by injection with DHT and then treated with ginsenoside F2 or finasteride. Hair growth rate, density, thickness measurements and tissue histotological analysis in these groups suggested that ginsenoside F2 suppressed hair cell apoptosis and premature entry to catagen more effectively than finasteride. Our results indicated that ginsenoside F2 decreased the expression of TGF-ß2 and SCAP proteins, which have been suggested to be involved in apoptosis and entry into catagen. This study provides evidence those factors in the SCAP pathway could be targets for hair loss prevention drugs.

The inductive effect of ginsenoside F2 on hair growth by altering the WNT signal pathway in telogen mouse skin.

This study was conducted to confirm the possibility of using minor ginseng saponin F2 by oral administration on hair anagen induction effects. The signaling pathway and anagen induction effect of ginsenoside F2 were investigated and compared with finasteride on the effect of hair growth induction. The cell-based MTT assay results indicated that the proliferation rates of HHDPC and HaCaT treated with F2 significantly increased by 30% compared with the finasteride-treated group. A western blot study showed that the expression of ß-catenin Lef-1 and DKK-1 increased by 140, 200% and decreased by 40% in the F2-treated group, respectively compared to that of finasteride-treated group. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to the same treatments. The hair growth promotion rates were compared with groups treated with finasteride, which was 20% higher in the F2-treated group. Tissue histological analysis results showed the number of hair follicles, thickness of the epidermis, and follicles of the anagen phase which increased in the F2-treated group, compared with the finasteride-treated groups. Moreover, the effect of F2 on hair growth was confirmed through the immunofluorescence (IF) methods indicating the expression aspect of Wnt signal pathway-related factors in the tissue of C57BL/6 mouse. Our results considered the expression increase in ß-catenin, Lef-1 which was suggested as a major factor related to the development and growth of hair follicle and the decrease in DKK-1 when entering catagen by F2. As the data showed, F2 might be a potential new therapeutic source for anagen induction and hair growth through the Wnt signal pathway.

The bone regenerative effects of fucosterol in in vitro and in vivo models of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

SCOPE: The aim of this study was to investigate the bone regenerative effects of fucosterol in estrogen-deficient ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bone regeneration was assessed in fucosterol-treated MG63 cells in vitro via assays for osteoblast proliferation, alkaline phosphatase, and osteoclast differentiation. Osteoblast proliferation rates, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization were increased in the fucosterol-treated group. Moreover, differentiation of osteoclasts was decreased in the fucosterol-treated group. In the in vivo assay, female rats were OVX. Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, rats were divided into seven groups, each oral administrate everyday for 7 weeks. The bone mineral density of femoral bones was higher in fucosterol groups than in OVX control, and body weight was lower in fucosterol groups. Among bone-quality parameters, bone volume/total volume increased and trabecular separation decreased in fucosterol groups relative to the OVX control. Bone formation and resorption were evaluated using the serum biomarkers osteocalcin and CTx. Fucosterol tripled the level of serum osteocalcin relative to the OVX group and reduced the serum level of CTx. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that fucosterol has the dual potentials to activate osteoblasts to stimulate bone formation and suppress differentiation of osteoclasts so as to reduce bone resorption.

The protective effects of fucosterol against skin damage in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) overexpression and extracellular matrix depletion, leading to skin photoaging. The activation of MMP is related to increased interlukin-6 (IL-6) and type I procollagen production, which is regulated by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1). Activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation induces MMP-1 production and reduces type I procollagen secretion. Fucosterol, which is extracted and purified from the brown algae Hizikia fusiformis, is a phytosterol. We assessed the effects of fucosterol on photodamage and investigated its molecular mechanism of action in UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that fucosterol significantly decreased the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1, IL-6, p-c-Jun, and p-c-Fos. Additionally, fucosterol markedly increased the UVB-induced production of type I procollagen and TGF-ß1. Our results indicate that fucosterol regulates MMP-1 and type I procollagen expression by modulating AP-1 and TGF-ß1 signaling and that MMP-1 activation is correlated with IL-6. These data suggest that fucosterol is a promising botanical agent to protect against skin photodamage.

Enzyme-processed Korean Red Ginseng extracts protects against skin damage induced by UVB irradiation in hairless mice.

UV irradiation is the main factor contributing to skin damages that are associated with an excessive production of matrix-degrading metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and a deficient expression of collagens. To date, red ginseng has been revealed to possess many biomedical effects, such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we prepared the Korean Red Ginseng extracts treated with enzyme (KRGE) and investigated the effects of dietary KRGE on the formation of wrinkles generated by UVB irradiation in hairless mice. It was found that KRGE inhibited the UVB-induced formation of wrinkles, epidermal thickness, and skin dryness in hairless mice. Further results also showed that KRGE attenuated UVB-induced MMP-1 level, while accelerated procollagen type I, transforming growth factor-ß1 secretion. Interestingly, the expression of profilaggrin and filaggrin in both the epidermis and dermis were decreased due to UVB exposure and reversed by KRGE. The KRGE 0.06% was prior to KRGE 0.24%. In view of these results, which indicated that KRGE protected skin from UVB-induced photodamages, which may not only mediated by regulating of MMP-1 and procollagen type I, but also by increasing the production of profilaggrin and filaggrin. In conclusion, our results suggest that KRGE may be a promising agent for the treatment of skin photodamages. The challenge of KRGE will be expected as cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals in order to intervene in aging-related degenerative skin changes.

Pedobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., with ginsenoside-converting activity.

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-45(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field of Pocheon province in the Republic of Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Growth occurred at 4-30 °C, at pH 5.5-9.0 and with 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl on nutrient agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain THG-45(T) was shown to belong to the genus Pedobacter and was related to Pedobacter borealis G-1(T) (98.8 %), P. alluvionis NWER-II11(T) (97.9 %), P. agri PB92(T) (97.9 %), P. terrae DS-57(T) (97.5 %), P. suwonensis 15-52(T) (97.4 %), P. sandarakinus DS-27(T) (97.0 %) and P. soli 15-51(T) (97.0 %), but DNA relatedness between strain THG-45(T) and these strains was below 36 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39 mol%. The only isoprenoid quinone detected in strain THG-45(T) was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid. Phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference supported the affiliation of strain THG-45(T) to the genus Pedobacter, and a number of biochemical tests differentiated strain THG-45(T) from the recognized species of the genus Pedobacter. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Pedobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-45(T) as the type strain ( = KACC 14530(T) = JCM 16721(T)).

Hijikia fusiforme protects against ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats.

The prophylactic effects of Hijikia fusiforme on bone metabolism were examined using in vitro indices of bone formation and resorption. As the indices of bone formation, osteoblast proliferation and differentiation were measured through mitochondrial enzyme activity [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay] and bone marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The aqueous extract of H. fusiforme stimulated the proliferation of the human osteoblast-like cell line MG63 and the ALP activity of the mouse osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1. Moreover, extracellular matrix mineralization was accelerated by the addition of H. fusiforme. As the indices of bone resorption, differentiation of the murine macrophage/osteoclast precursor cell line RAW 264.7 by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) was measured as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells, which were suppressed by H. fusiforme. Additionally, H. fusiforme lowered the secreted amount of RANKL that is required for the osteoclastic differentiation and activation, but the amount of osteoprotegerin as a decoy receptor for RANKL was not affected. The bone-protective effects of H. fusiforme in estrogen-deficient ovariectomized rats were also investigated. Osteoporosis was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by ovariectomy for 15 weeks, and then H. fusiforme was orally administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight every day for 6 weeks. Bone mineral density in the group orally administered H. fusiforme was increased, compared with ovariectomized rats, but not significantly (P>.05). Oral administration of H. fusiforme improved microarchitecture of bone in terms of bone volume (bone volume/total volume ratio) and trabecular separation (P<.05). The amounts of osteocalcin and C-telopeptide type I collagen in serum were measured as the biomarkers for bone formation and resorption. The level of osteocalcin in serum was increased, but not significantly. However, the level of C-telopeptide type I collagen in serum was significantly decreased (P<.05). When the results are taken together, the present study indicates that H. fusiforme might be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis.