Inhibitory Effect of Prunella vulgaris L. Flavonoids on Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats
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Abstract:
In this study, the effect of flavonoids from Prunella vulgaris L. on bone mass, biomechanical properties, and bone metabolism of ovariectomized, osteoporotic rat model was investigated. After treatment with flavonoids extracted from P. vulgaris L., rat serum samples were collected to examine changes in the levels of blood minerals, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The femur bone was also collected from rats in each group to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and bone tissue morphology. A fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction approach was used to determine the expression levels of collagen type I, integrin β1, and focal adhesion kinase mRNA. The results showed that the level of ALP (3.03 ± 0.22 IU/L), number of osteoclasts (0.23 ± 0.05 1/mm2), and bone resorption perimeter percentage (14.94% ± 5.12%) were lower in the flavonoids group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of OPG (186.34 ± 44.21 pg/mL), BMD, and the relative volume (26.11% ± 5.32%) and thickness (587.16 ± 165.01 μm) of trabecular bone were higher (p < 0.05) in the flavonoids group than in the control group. The results indicated that Prunella vulgaris L. flavonoids enhanced osteoblast function, decreased bone resorption and bone metabolism, increased bone formation, reduced trabecular bone loss, and inhibited the reduction in bone mass and bone strength, thus enhancing BMD and ultimately suppressing osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.
