Protective effect of steroidal saponins from rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats1

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the protective effect of steroidal saponins from Anemarrhena asphodeloides (ATS) on ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced bone loss. Methods: Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into sham and OVX groups. The OVX rats were treated with vehicle, nylestriol or steroidal saponins extract for 12 weeks. Serum calcium, phosphorus, estradiol (E2), osteocalcin concentration and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were measured. Bone density was assayed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The undecalcified longitudinal proximal tibial metaphysical (PTM) sections were cut and stained for histomorphometric analysis of the bone. Results: In OVX rats, alkaline phosphatase activities in serum were markedly increased and concentrations of osteocalcin were decreased by ATS treatment, which had no influence on the body weight. Meanwhile, atrophy of the uterus and descent of bone mineral density (BMD) was suppressed by treatment with ATS. In addition, ATS completely corrected the decreased the concentration of calcium and E2 in serum observed in OVX rats. Histological results showed ATS prevented decreases in trabecular thickness and increases in trabecular separation of proximal tibia metaphysis (PTM) in OVX rats. However, it did not alter osteoclast number in OVX rats. Moreover, ATS (300 mg/kg) had a remarkable effect on promoting bone formation action in OVX rats. Nylestriol treatment decreased the bone formation rate and mineral apposition rate. Conclusion: An adequate supply of steroidal saponins of Anemarrhena asphodeloides prevented OVX‐induced bone loss in rats through the promotion of bone formation but not the inhibition of bone resorption.

Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin decoction suppresses osteoclastogenesis <i>via </i>increasing dehydroepiandrosterone to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis

“…Steroid saponins are the principal active components of common Anemarrhena rhizome (30). An adequate supply of steroidal saponins in Anemarrhena asphodeloides prevented OVX-induced bone loss in rats through the promotion of bone formation but not the inhibition of bone resorption (31).…”

Difference in intraosseous blood vessel volume and number in osteoporotic model mice induced by spinal cord injury and sciatic nerve resection

“…These conditions may further result in the atrophy of lower limb muscles and severe loss of bone mass, causing a high risk of bone fracture. Recent studies are mainly focused on the effect of aging and estrogen deficiency on osteoporosis [1,2]. However, there are only limited data on osteoporosis resulting from SCI [3][4][5]; in one study in the rat, SCI caused severe bone mass loss at the hind legs and lumbar vertebrae, deterioration of bone microstructure, loss of bone strength, and a high bone turnover rate [3].…”

Catechin stimulates osteogenesis by enhancing PP2A activity in human mesenchymal stem cells

“…Several herbal regimens have been applied for enhancing bone growth during the developmental and degenerative stages. For example, danggui-containing prescriptions, such as Shy-Wuh-Tang (SWT) and Shy-Jium-Tzyy-Tang (SJTT) or their combination, Ba-Jen-Tang (BJT), commonly used to treat gynecological diseases such as irregular menstruation, have also been applied in preventing and improving senile or menopause osteoporosis [12][13][14][15][16]. However, no strong experimental and clinical evidences support their effects.…”