Bone-Protecting Effect of Safflower Seeds in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds have long been clinically used in Korea to promote bone formation and prevent osteoporosis. However, the beneficial effect has not been scientifically evaluated. Thus, in the present study we investigated whether phytoestrogen rich safflower seeds reduce bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy or sham surgery. One week after the operation, ovariectomized rats were either fed a diet containing defatted safflower seeds or injected with 17b-estradiol (E2) for 4 weeks. As expected, ovariectomy resulted in a dramatic reduction in trabecular bone mass of the proximal tibia, increase in deposition of marrow fat, and in uterine atrophy. E2 treatment almost completely prevented bone loss as well as marrow adiposity, as examined by scanning electron microscopy and histomorphometry. Safflower seeds partially prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss and slightly reduced marrow adiposity. Safflower seeds, in contrast to E2, exerted very weak uterotrophic action. In an attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, effect of polyphenolic compounds extracted from safflower seeds on proliferation of osteoblast-like cells was also assessed in vitro. The mixed polyphenolic compounds stimulated growth of ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells in a dose-dependent manner (5-100 mg/ml), as potently as E2 and genistein. The present data provide the first direct in vivo evidence that safflower seeds have a protecting effect on bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency, without substantial effect on the uterus. The beneficial effect of safflower seeds may be mediated, at least in part, by the stimulating effect of polyphenolic compounds on proliferation of osteoblasts.

Phytoestrogens

“…Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds have long been clinically used in Korea to promote bone formation and prevent osteoporosis (97), and dietary supplementation with safflower seeds partially protected against ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats (97). Preliminary studies indicated that this activity was associated with the polyphenolic fraction of the safflower seed, but the specific components responsible were not identified.…”

Inhibitory Effects of Active Compounds Isolated from Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seeds for Melanogenesis

“…Safflower seeds rich in unsaturated fatty acid and a-linoleic acid have been commonly consumed as vegetable oils in the USA and Europe, and also used for clinical treatments of osteoporosis and rheumatism in Korea. 9) Although the biological activities of this plant have been reported extensively, there is no documentation related to inhibitory activity with respect to melanogenesis. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate the melanogenesis inhibitory activity of safflower seeds and to identify further the active compounds.…”

Effect of KH-BaRoKer-SeongJangTang based on traditional medicine theory on longitudinal bone growth

“…Carthami Tinctorii Fructus increased the level of serum IGF-I and lengths of femur and tibia, however, its effect was very small and transient (Lee et al, 2009). Kim et al (2002) reported that Carthami Tinctorii Fructus partially prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss. However, the effect of individual drug was less than those of all drugs, prescription KBS.…”