Low dose Marantodes pumilum leaf and roots extracts preserved bone structure in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Background: Marantodes pumilum var. alata, a phytoestrogen-rich herb, has been reported to exert protection on bone of estrogen-deficient animals against osteoporosis. However, comparative osteo-protective activity of its leaf and root extracts has not been fully elucidated. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the osteo-protective effects of aqueous leaf and root extracts of Marantodes pumilum var alata in ovariectomized rat model. Methodology: Twenty-seven female rats were divided into nine groups: sham-operated (Sham); ovariectomized control (OVXC); 64.5 μg kg-1 day-1 estrogen treatment (ERT); 20 mg kg-1 day-1 (MPv20), 50 mg kg-1 day-1 (MPv50) and 100 mg kg-1 day-1 (MPv100) doses leaf extract treatments and; 20 mg kg-1 day-1 (MPr20), 50 mg kg-1 day-1 (MPr50) and 100 mg kg-1 day-1 (MPr100) doses root extract treatment groups. After 8 weeks treatment period, the left femora were excised and investigated using Micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). Results were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: The MPv20, MPv50 and MPr20 groups showed significantly higher (p<0.05) bone mineral density on the trabecular bone while all treatment groups recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) tissue mineral density on the cortical bone when compared with OVXC group. Trabecular bone number and separation were significantly higher and lower (p<0.05), respectively, in both MPv20 and MPr20 groups. Significantly higher (p<0.05) cortical bone area fraction and thickness in MPv20 group and medullary area in MPr20 group were observed. Conclusion: Lower dose (20 mg kg-1 day-1) of both leaf and root extracts of Marantodes pumilum var alata preserved bone mineral density and micro-architecture of estrogen-deficient rats better than higher doses.