Effects of centella asiatica (L.) leaf extract on bone calcium and phosphate levels of ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Centella asiatica leaf extract in maintaining calcium and phosphate levels in the bone for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Methods: The obtained C. asiatica leaf extract was administered to ovariectomized rats at the doses of 60, 120, and 180 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 30 days. Subsequently, the rats were euthanized by ether overdose, and bone calcium and phosphate levels were determined by the wet ashing technique and spectrophotometry. Results: The results showed no significant differences in the bone calcium and phosphate levels among rats administered with different doses of C. asiatica leaf extract. Conclusion: Our results indicate that C. asiatica leaf extract cannot be used as a source of phytoestrogens to maintain calcium and phosphate levels in the bones.