Total flavonoid fraction of the Herba epimedii extract suppresses urinary calcium excretion and improves bone properties in ovariectomised mice

Wen Fang Chen, Sao Keng Mok, Xin Luan Wang, Ka Hang Lai, Wan Ping Lai, Hon Kit Luk, Ping Chung Leung, Xin Sheng Yao, Man Sau Wong

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Flavonoids are the active components of Herba epimedii (HEP), a commonly used herb for the management of osteoporosis in China over the centuries. The present study aims to characterise the in vivo effects of its total flavonoid (TF) fraction on bone properties and mineral metabolism as well as to study the mechanism involved in achieving its protective effects against ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. TF suppressed OVX-induced increase in urinary Ca excretion as well as loss of bone mass and strength at the distal femur in mice in a dose-dependent manner. The changes in urinary Ca excretion were inversely correlated with the expressions of renal Ca transport protein (CaBP-28K) and vitamin D receptor mRNA in OVX mice. TF (100g/g) treatment prevented the deterioration of trabecular bone microarchitecture induced by OVX in mice. In addition, TF treatment increased the expression of type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNA and the ratio of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of NF-B ligand mRNA, and suppressed the increase in IL-6 mRNA induced by OVX in the femur of mice. The present results indicate that the optimal dosage of the TF fraction of HEP for the improvement of bone properties and mineral metabolism in OVX mice was between 50 and 100g/g. Mechanistic studies indicated that TF might increase renal Ca reabsorption, stimulate the process of osteoblast formation as well as suppress the process of osteoclastogenesis in OVX mice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-189
Number of pages10
JournalBritish Journal of Nutrition
Volume105
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jan 2011

Keywords

  • Herba epimedii
  • Osteoporosis
  • Ovariectomised mice
  • Total flavonoids

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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