Effects of pomegranate extracts on cartilage, bone and mesenchymal cells of mouse fetuses

Abstract

Pomegranate is a rich source of polyphenols, which are believed to be responsible for the oestrogenic activities of extracts of this fruit in mice. One of these potential activities is the prevention of bone loss. The objectives of the present study were to determine the effects of pomegranate extract on chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in mouse embryos in vivo and limb bud cultures in vitro. A total of fifty pregnant Balb/c mice were given vehicle, pomegranate juice extract (PJE), pomegranate husk extract (PHE) or a mixture of husk and juice extract (PME). Their embryos were stained with alizarin red S and alcian blue, and the length of the femur, tibia and their ossification zones were measured on day 19 of gestation. Bone Ca content in pregnant mice was also measured. Mice treated with PJE showed an increase in bone Ca content. Dietary supplementation with all extracts significantly increased embryo femur length and osteogenesis index. Mesenchymal cells from fetal limb buds were cultured and exposed to 10, 100, 1000 and 10 000 mg/ml of PJE, PHE or PME. The number of viable cells was greater in cultures exposed to the extracts than in control cultures. The number of cartilage nodules and their diameters were greater in extract-treated cell cultures, a finding which reflected increased cell proliferation and differentiation rates. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that pomegranate is able to enhance bone formation.

A targeted approach for evaluating preclinical activity of botanical extracts for support of bone health

“…Histopathological analysis indicated a reduction in joint infiltration by inflammatory cells ( 23 ) . Pregnant mice fed pomegranate fruit or husk extracts between days 8 and 18 of gestation showed increased Ca content in the pregnant mice as well as increased femur length and indices of osteogenesis in the embryos ( 24 ) . Purified ellagic acid has also been shown to stimulate mineralisation of extracellular matrix by the osteoblastic cell line, KS483 cells, similar to that of 17β-oestradiol ( 25 ) .…”

Herbal Remedies as Potential in Cartilage Tissue Engineering: An Overview of New Therapeutic Approaches and Strategies

“…An in vivo study with rabbits showed that the consumption of PFE significantly reduced the expression of IL-6, MMPs, and PGE 2 , while the expression of AGC and COL2A1 was upregulated [113]. Furthermore, in vivo studies in mice have shown that the ingestion of PFE suppresses inflammation and joint destruction in a model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) [110], prevents the dose-dependent negative effects of iodoacetate [114], and exerts a significant chondroinductive potential on mouse embryos in vivo and limb bud cultures in vitro, with increased cell proliferation and differentiation rates [115]. In patients, the intake of PFE resulted in improved physical function, the reduced degradation of cartilage enzymes, and the increased anti-oxidant status in patients with knee OA [116].…”

Pomegranate Juice Supplementation Alters Utero-Placental Vascular Function and Fetal Growth in the eNOS−/− Mouse Model of Fetal Growth Restriction

“… Monsefi et al (2012) reported that embryo femur length increased following treatment of mice with PJ extract (an in-house prepared PJ extract, administered at 3.3 ml/kg between days 8 and 18 of pregnancy), and that PJ increased cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro , consistent with a positive effect of PJ on bone cells. However, a bone growth-promoting effect of PJ (administered from E12.5) was not evident in the current study, as PJ did not affect crown rump length.…”