Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta

Abstract

Liuwei Dihuang Wan, A Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formula, Protects Against Osteoporosis

Hui Sun, Li - jing Li, Ai - hua Zhang, Ning Zhang, Wen - jun Sun and Xi-jun Wang

The treatment and prevention of osteoporosis involve great challenges. Liuwei Dihuang Wan (LW), a classic Chinese medicinal formula, has been widely used for clinically treating ?kidney deficiency? in Asia, however, its potency in osteogenesis remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to systemically investigate the effects of LW on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats. A total of forty-eight 7-month-old female Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into sham-operated group and three ovariectomized (OVX, model) groups: OVX with vehicle; OVX with LW; OVX with nilestriol. Daily oral administration began 4 weeks after the surgery and lasted for 24 weeks. The bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), uterine index, blood mineral levels and biochemical markers were examined in LW orally treated rats. The trabecular bone micro architecture was also evaluated by MicroCT. Results showed that LW treatment significantly enhanced BMD, BMC, and blood antioxidant enzymes activities, decreased blood Ca and P levels compared to the model group. LW prevented total BMD decrease in the femur induced by OVX, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in skeletal remodeling, as was evidenced by the decreased levels of the bone turnover markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Treated rats showed significantly improved mineral content in ashed femurs compared to untreated animals. The treatment could also enhance the bone strength and prevent the deterioration of trabecular micro architecture. This experiment demonstrates that the administration of LW to ovariectomized rats reverses bone loss and prevents osteoporosis. The present study indicated that LW might be a potential alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.