Effects of Extracts from Cnidium officinale and Angelica sinensis on Bone Fusion in Mice with Femoral Fracture

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the fracture healing effect of extracts from Cnidium officinale and Angelica sinensis (CO/AS) in mice with femoral fracture. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal, control (phospate-bufferd saline), positive control (tramadol), CO/AS extract 40 ㎎/㎏ and 80 ㎎/㎏. By using Collier's method, all groups except normal group went through femoral fracture. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured to evaluate the safety of CO/AS. Hematoxylin & eosin, Safranin O staining, x-ray, tensile and compressive force were conducted to assess the effect of CO/AS on fracture.Results The liver function test showed AST, ALT and LDH in CO/AS at 14th and 28th days were not significantly different compared with control group. The renal function test showed BUN in CO/AS at 14th days and BUN and creatinine in CO/AS at 28th days were significantly decreased compared with control group. The morphological & histological analysis and x-ray showed that CO/AS promoted cartilage and callus formation process compared with control group. The tensile and compressive forces test showed tensile in CO/AS 40 ㎎/㎏ and tensile & compressive forces in CO/AS 80 ㎎/㎏ were significantly increased compared with control group. Conclusions CO/AS extract showed the possibility that it promotes early fracture union and increases bone tensile and compressive strength, while does not have hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, CO/AS has a potential to promote healing of bone fracture and this study warranted the clinical usage of CO/AS at bone fracture. (J Korean Med Rehabil 2024;34(2):1-14)