Chenopodium ambrosioides as a bone graft substitute in rabbits radius fracture

Abstract

BackgroundBone defects caused by trauma, infection or tumor resection are common in orthopedic clinic and depending on the extent of the fracture; the vast majority require treatment with bone substitutes. Among the bone grafts employees, the autograft is defined as the gold standard, but with some limitations, principally related to morbidity at the site of its removal, with the need to search for other biomaterials as adjuvant in bone regeneration. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of Chenopodium ambrosioides as a bone graft substitute for the osseointegration of fractures in rabbits, compared to other bone grafts already employed in the surgical routine as Ricinus communis (castor oil) polyurethane and autogenous bone marrow.MethodsForty-eight rabbits were divided into four groups. After anesthesia, a radius fracture was created and the animals were treated with the following grafts: C. ambrosioides graft, autogenous bone marrow, castor oil and saline (control). After 30, 60 and 90 days, the animals were submitted to radiographical and histological analyses and bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, biomechanical tension, and collagen were measured. We also realized a phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity including 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.ResultsThe data showed that the growth of the bone callus was more expressive and biomechanical assessment showed better tensile strength in C. ambrosioides graft. The experimental results also revealed that there was significantly greater activity of the bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin during early fracture healing, similarly to the group receiving autogenous bone marrow. Histologically, immature bone was observed in C. ambrosioides graft at 30 days, whereas the formation of cartilaginous tissue predominated in the other groups. A higher amount of type I collagen was observed in C. ambrosioides graft throughout treatment. It was detected strong presence of flavonoids and appreciable antioxidant activity.ConclusionsThe results indicate that C. ambrosioides graft and autogenous bone marrow have similar ability to enhance bone regeneration, higher than the castor oil graft, suggesting that the medicinal plant can provide therapeutic benefits for bone tissue.

Plant Extracts in the Bone Repair Process: A Systematic Review

“…In this context, immunological, radiological, and histopathological analyses also confirm whether the fracture is strong and resistant and if it was totally, partially, or not closed. Similar results were found by Neto et al [46] who evaluated the effect of a poultice prepared from the leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. on bone repair in rabbits. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of this plant revealed the strong presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which may contribute to its effect on bone formation.…”

“…These analyses demonstrated mainly osteoblastic proliferation, angiogenesis, and increased formation of the bone matrix with fracture closure and bone callus formation. Only 25.81% ( n = 8) [28, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43, 46, 50] performed measurement of inflammatory markers, and the most cited parameters were Ca +2 content and serum alkaline phosphatase. Only 25.81% ( n = 8) [22, 32, 37, 38, 42, 46, 48, 49] reported whether the fracture had complete, partial, or absent closure.…”

“…Only 25.81% ( n = 8) [28, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43, 46, 50] performed measurement of inflammatory markers, and the most cited parameters were Ca +2 content and serum alkaline phosphatase. Only 25.81% ( n = 8) [22, 32, 37, 38, 42, 46, 48, 49] reported whether the fracture had complete, partial, or absent closure. Other analyses related to bone strength, tensile strength, and expression of inflammatory genes that stimulate bone formation and osteogenic differentiation were performed in 38.71% ( n = 12) of the studies [20, 23, 24, 28, 33, 36, 40–42, 44, 45, 47] (Figure 2).…”

“…Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of this plant revealed the strong presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which may contribute to its effect on bone formation. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, accelerating the proliferation of anti-inflammatory proteins and enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase that are responsible for protection during bone repair [46].…”

The effect of aqueous extract of Prunus dulcis on tibial bone healing in the rabbit

“…Several previous studies have investigated the bone healing process using biochemical markers of the bone formation such as calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase [6,[21][22][23][24]. High levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and extracellular fluids trigger the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the osteoid and make it harder [25].…”