Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Abstract

As one of classic Chinese kidney-tonifying herbal medicines, Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser is widely applied in Chinese folk medicine as herbal tea for nutraceutical purposes including nourishing kidney, strengthening muscle and bone to against weakness, etc. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of aqueous extracts from Taxillus chinensis (AETCs) on the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in rats. Results showed that AETC treatment at the dose of 12.0 g raw materials/kg for 12 weeks significantly enhanced the bone mineral densities of femur and tibia, improved the trabecular microarchitecture compared with OVX controls. The serum levels of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were increased, and the levels of bone resorption biomarkers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b and telopeptides of collagen type I were suppressed by AETCs. Moreover, 12.0 g raw materials/kg AETC treatment significantly reduced the OVX-induced up-regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein expression in bone tissues. Data suggested that AETCs showed anti-osteoporotic effect in OVX rats, possibly via promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone absorption. The down-regulation of inflammatory COX-2 might be involved in the protection of AETCs against OVX -induced osteoporosis.

Modern pharmacological research and application of medicinal insect Coridius chinensis

“…The Great Dictionary of traditional Chinese Medicine states that Coridius chinensis has a notable effect on conditions such as sore and weak waist, impotence, and enuresis, which are caused by yang deficiency in the spleen and kidney [ 1 ]. Numerous studies have demonstrated that extracts and small molecular compounds derived from Coridius chinensis can enhance reproductive ability and safeguard against reproductive damage [ 18 , [33] , [34] , [35] , [42] , [43] , [44] ]. It has been reported that the alcohol extract of Coridius chinensis can enhance exercise ability and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the skeletal muscle of trained rats [ 36 , 45 ].…”

“…Moreover, petroleum ether extract from Coridius chinensis is capable of significantly inhibiting Mn 2+ -induced blood-testicular barrier (BTB) damage. Additionally, the water extract of Coridius chinensis can augment testosterone production in Leydig cells and regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis to preserve the structure and function of the testis [ [32] , [33] , [34] ]. Furthermore, studies have shown that (±) AspongamideA isolated from Coridius chinensis possesses a certain protective effect against diabetic nephropathy and can inhibit the activity of COX-2 [ 10 ].…”