Ameliorative effects of Schizandra chinensis on osteoporosis via activation of estrogen receptor (ER)-α/-β

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency in menopausal women is the main cause of osteoporosis. Phytoestrogen could be a suitable candidate for treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Recent studies showed that S. chinensis contains several lignans, which may be phytoestrogen. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of S. chinensis on post-menopausal osteoporosis. 30% ethanol extract of S. chinensis (SC) was administered orally for 6 weeks after 7 weeks of ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis. Bone mineral density was significantly increased following increased serum osteocalcin levels by SC treatment. Histological analysis showed that SC reduced the increased growth plate of the epiphyseal plate in femur. In addition, pores within bone marrow cells filling the lateral and medial epicondyle were decreased. Serum estradiol concentration was significantly increased in the SC-treated group. The expressions of estrogen receptor-α and -β were increased in uterus and MCF-7 breast cancer cells by SC treatment. And two transcriptions of proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-Jun, were suppressed by treatment of SC. From these data, we propose that S. chinensis attenuates post-menopausal osteoporosis with its phytoestrogenic effects. S. chinensis may have the potential to be used as an alternative for treatment of osteoporosis.

Cereal Lignans, Natural Compounds of Interest for Human Health?

“…These data are associated with higher HDLcholesterol levels [2,11,29,[55][56][57][58]. Some studies have also been conducted in animal models in which partially purified lignan fractions have been shown to improve blood lipids and glycemic control [59,60]. The results from all these studies underline the need to understand better the mechanisms of action of these compounds in maintaining a healthy metabolism.…”

“…Based on these observations, molecular and cellular studies are now starting to support the data provided by epidemiological studies and dietary interventions. Significant effects have in fact been shown for regulatory mechanisms related to lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, cholesterol biosynthesis and insulin biosynthesis and secretion, [18,60,61,[63][64][65].…”

Combination Therapy of Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) and Dexamethasone Alleviated Dexamethasone-Induced Glucocorticoid Osteoporosis in Rats with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

“…Our recent studies have found that Wuweizi treated IPF rats effectively by regulating the chemotactic migration of cells, angiogenesis, and AM/TGFβ-1/Smad signaling pathways [13][14][15]. Furthermore, many studies documented that Wuweizi has a protective effect on bone [16][17][18][19] and can be a promising herb in the treatment of osteoporosis [19]. Plentiful clinical and experimental studies in China also have found that Wuweizi can effectively alleviate GIOP [20][21][22].…”

Schisandrae Fructus Reduces Symptoms of 4‐Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide‐Induced Ovarian Failure in Mice

“…It is caused by cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries [2]. Symptoms include hot flashes, anxiety, depression, night sweating, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and joint pain [2, 3].…”

“…It is caused by cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries [2]. Symptoms include hot flashes, anxiety, depression, night sweating, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and joint pain [2, 3]. Furthermore, complications such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease [4], Alzheimer's disease [5], and ovarian cancer [6] may follow.…”