Effects of different extracts of kanggushu (抗骨疏) on osteoporosis in model rats and the underlying mechanisms

Objective To investigate the preventive effects and possible underlying mechanism of different extracts of Kanggushu (抗骨疏) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Methods One hundred and sixtyfive female SD rats were divided into 11 groups: control, sham, model, Xianling Gubao Capsule (仙灵骨葆胶囊), nilestriol, Kanggushu aqueous extract high-, medium-, and low-dose and suet extract high-, medium-, and low-dose groups. The osteoporosis model was made by ovariectomizing the rats. The latter 8 groups were administered intragastricly with Xianling Gubao Capsule, nilestriol, Kanggushu aqueous extract and suet extract for 12 weeks, respectively, while the other 3 groups were administered orally saline. The whole body bone mineral density, bone mineral content, organ coefficient of uterus, serum estradiol and alkaline phosphatase contents, blood calcium, phosphorus, interleukin 6 and bone Gla-protein levels after treatment were monitored. Additionally, three-point bending test of femur, HE staining, and scanning electron microscope were performed to explore the pharmacodynamics and underlying mechanisms. Results In comparison with ovariectomized rats of model group, Kanggushu aqueous extract high-dose resulted in an increased bone mineral density, bone mineral content and organ coefficient of uterus, improved estradiol level, and improved maximum load and structural stiffness ( P