EFFECTS OF CENTELLA ASIATICA (L.) LEAF EXTRACT ON BONE CALCIUM AND PHOSPHATE LEVELS OF OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Centella asiatica leaf extract in maintaining calcium and phosphate levels in the bone forpreventing 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 ashingtechnique and spectrophotometry.Results: The results showed no significant differences in the bone calcium and phosphate levels among rats administered with different doses ofC. 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 levelsin the bones.