The beneficial effect of OST-6 (OsteoCare), a herbomineral formulation, in experimental osteoporosis

OST-6 (OsteoCare), a herbomineral formulation, was evaluated for its inhibitory effect on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats. Ovariectomized (Ovx) rats were administered with OST-6 at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt., orally daily for 90 days. On 91 st day, ovariectomized rats showed reduced bone mineral content and increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, excretion of urinary calcium and pyridinium cross-links levels. Histologically, bone sections revealed narrowed and disappearance of trabeculae and widened medullary spaces. The total numbers of Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells were significantly increased both in-vivo and in-vitro methods. OST-6, at a dose of 500 mg/kg, significantly improved bone mineral contents, serum alkaline phosphatase levels, reduced the elevated urinary calcium and pyridinium cross-links excretion, number of TRAP positive cells and reversal of the above mentioned histological features. These results indicate the usefulness of OST-6 in the management of osteoporosis in a natural way through herbal resources.