The aqueous and methanol extracts of Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) improve calcium and phosphorus levels, and bone microstructure in ovariectomized model of osteoporosis

Abstract

Background Osteoporosis represents the most common metabolic bone disease. Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) is a plant with potential antiosteoporotic effects, due to its phytoestrogenic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of aqueous and methanol extracts of B. vulgaris on osteoporosis in rats. Methods Adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal (n = 6) and ovariectomized (n = 42) groups. Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, animals were treated for 4 weeks as follows: distilled water (10 mL/kg, per os (p.o.)), 17β-estradiol (10 μg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)), soya oil (1 mL/kg, i.p.), aqueous or methanol extract of B. vulgaris (55 or 110 mg/kg, p.o.). All rats were weighed daily and sacrificed on day 29. Plasma was collected, and the uterus and femur were dissected out, weighed, and used for biochemical and histological measurements. Results In the untreated ovariectomized females, a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in body weight and a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the uterine and bone weights were recorded. Ovariectomy also significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the bone calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and deteriorated the microarchitecture of the femur. Interestingly, B. vulgaris extracts significantly (p < 0.001) improved the bone calcium concentration and femur microarchitecture (increase in trabecular bone density, reorganization of the trabecular network, and increase in bone marrow) with estrogenic-like effects compared to 17β-estradiol. Conclusion These results suggest that B. vulgaris is a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. The present findings further justify the ethno-medicinal claims of B. vulgaris.

Antioxidant, Mineralogenic and Osteogenic Activities of Spartina alterniflora and Salicornia fragilis Extracts Rich in Polyphenols

“…Furthermore, polyphenols were also recognized as beneficial on bone health, especially for people suffering osteoporosis (86). Accordingly, extracts from other Poaceae plant, the common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), could improve bone calcium concentration and femur microarchitecture in an osteoporotic rat model to levels similar to those achieved by 17β-estradiol treatment, suggesting a therapeutical potential for osteoporosis (87). Also, bioactive extracts/polyphenols could be included in biomaterials used for tissue transplants to help prevent inflammation while boosting bone production as described for other marine polyphenols (88).…”

Jingui Shenqi Pills Prevents and Treats Postmenopausal Osteoporosis via Regulating the BMP/Smad Signaling Pathway

“…Changes in the levels of calcium and phosphorus are important indicators that reflect on bone metabolism and changes to the whole body [32] [33] [34]. ALP (an intracellular enzyme in osteoblasts), is an important marker of bone formation [35].…”

Angiogenic potential of Bambusa vulgaris leaves: Results of an in-vitro study with chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model

“…Recently, we evaluated angiogenic potential of Moringa oleifera lam [ 7 ]. Bambusa vulgaris has several properties including Phyto estrogenic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and abortifacient potential [ 9 , 10 ]. An animal study has demonstrated its potential for the treatment of osteoporosis [ 9 ].…”

“…Bambusa vulgaris has several properties including Phyto estrogenic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and abortifacient potential [ 9 , 10 ]. An animal study has demonstrated its potential for the treatment of osteoporosis [ 9 ]. It also has potential for external use in skin conditions [ 11 ].…”