Cistanche deserticola extract increases bone formation in osteoblasts

Objectives We investigated the effect of Cistanche deserticola Ma. (CD) on bone formation by cultured osteoblasts. Methods The mineralized nodule formation assay was used to examine the in‐vitro effects of CD on bone formation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)‐2 and osteopontin (OPN) mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The mechanism of action of CD extract was investigated using Western blotting. The in‐vivo anti‐osteoporotic effect of CD extract was assessed in ovariectomized mice. Key findings CD extract had no effect on the proliferation, migration or wound healing of cultured osteoblasts, but increased ALP, BMP‐2 and OPN mRNA and bone mineralization. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) or nuclear factor (NF)‐κB inhibitors reduced CD extract‐induced bone formation and ALP, BMP‐2 and OPN expression. However, CD extract did not affect osteoclastogenesis. In addition, CD extract prevented the bone loss induced by ovariectomy in vivo. Conclusions CD may be a novel bone formation agent for the treatment of osteoporosis.