The effects of Labisia pumila on postmenopausal osteoporotic rat model: Dose and time-dependent micro-CT analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is best treated and prevented by estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Although effective, ERT may cause breast cancer, uterine cancer and cardiovascular problems. Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), a herb with phytoestrogenic, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects has potential as an ERT alternative. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate micro-CT analysis on the effects of LP supplementation on the trabecular microarchitecture of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. Micro-CT is an effective tool in detecting changes in trabecular bone structure and providing a three dimensional information which may replace other conventional bone analysis methods. METHODS: Ninety-six female Sprague-Dawley rats (4 to 5 months old) were randomly divided into six groups of baseline group (BL) Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomised control (OVXC), ovariectomised with 64.5 μg/kg of Premarin (ERT), ovariectomised with 20 mg/kg of LP (LP20) and ovariectomised with 100 mg/kg of LP at (LP100). The vehicle (deionized water), Premarin and LP were given via daily oral gavages for three, six and nine weeks of treatment periods. Rats in BL group were euthanized before the start of the study, while other rats were euthanized after completion of their treatments. Femora were dissected out and trabecular bone microarchitecture analysed with micro-CT. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis of OVXC rats revealed significant osteoporotic changes in connectivity density, trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number. Both ERT and LP were able to reverse all the OVX-induced bone changes with the best results seen with 100 mg/kg of LP for nine weeks duration of treatment. CONCLUSION: Micro-CT provides accurate and reliable information on trabecular bone parameters which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. LP supplementation at 100 mg/kg was more effective than ERT in reversing ovariectomyinduced bone changes. Further studies are required to explore the potential of LP as ERT alternative in the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Demethylbelamcandaquinone B (Dmcq B) Is the Active Compound of Marantodes pumilum var. alata (Blume) Kuntze with Osteoanabolic Activities

“…M. pumilum was also able to increase estradiol level and suppress follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, therefore exhibiting similar effects to estrogen therapy [ 26 ]. It was also proven to counteract various estrogen-deficiency related diseases such as insulin resistance [ 27 ], cardiovascular diseases [ 28 ] and osteoporosis [ 29 ]. In view of the strong evidences that M. pumilum possesses phytoestrogenic effects, it is postulated that this plant has a favourable effect in postmenopausal women in terms of protection against osteoporosis.…”

“…In terms of gene expression, Fathilah et al [ 32 ] found that the aqueous extracts of M. pumilum were able to increase OPG and decrease RANKL expressions, and therefore can inhibit the activation of osteoclastogenesis. Micro-CT 3D analysis revealed that M. pumilum extracts were able to increase bone volume and trabecular bone microarchitecture in ovariectomized rats [ 29 ]. In addition, Effendy et al reported that M. pumilum extract increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).…”

An Evidence-Based Review: The Effects of Malaysian Traditional Herbs on Osteoporotic Rat Models

“…The measures of bone mineral density and soft callous volume between all the groups were not significantly different. Histomorphometry studies by Ariff et al (39) also corroborated the bone microarchitecture analysis, as both of the results did not show any significant difference in trabecular thickness and separation between the EL administrated group and the negative control group. It can be concluded that EL may improve fractured bones only by increasing bone volume but that it has no effect on other bone trabecular parameters.…”

“…The non-metric parameters include connectivity density, structural model index and degree anisotropy. The μ CT80 scanner used in the studies was set at an energy source of 70KVp and 11A μ A, with high 0.5 mm filter and high resolution (35–39). Also, a study conducted by Estai et al (25) investigated the bone callous stage in the area of fracture healing cases by grading the stages using a 5-point radiograph-based scoring system.…”

“…Two out of the six studies exclusively investigated bone microarchitecture (Azri et al (35), Ramli et al (36)); one was a biomechanical strength study (Azri et al (18)). The remaining were a combination of tests on bone microarchitecture, biomechanical strength biochemical markers, histomorphometry, and gene expression (Shuid et al (37); Ariff et al (39); Saadiah et al (45)).…”