Effects of Labisia pumila on bone turnover markers and OPG/RANKL system in a rat model of post-menopausal osteoporosis

Summary: The loss of bone mass due to the increasing age in women is caused by the decline in ovarian function, known as osteoporosis. Numerous studies have evaluated the benefits of Labisia pumila, but not investigated the OPG/RANKL system. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of L. pumila extract on bone turnover markers and OPG/RANKL system in ovariectomized rats. Totally, twenty-five female Wistar rats were divided into five tgroups (n = 5), including the control group, ovariectomized group, ovariectomized group treated with L. pumila extract of various doses (10 mg/kg; 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg). L. pumila extract was administered daily for 8 weeks. Serum levels of osteocalcin, urine levels of deoxypiridinoline, serum levels of OPG and RANKL were analyzed by means of ELISA technique. Serum levels of deoxypiridinoline and urine levels of osteocalcin were significantly higher in the ovariectomized group than those of the control group (p 0.05). In conclusion, the ethanol extract of L. pumila normalized osteoblastic bone formation, but could not prevent collagen degradation in bone in a rat model of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Keywords: Ovariectomy, Resorption, Formation, Osteoporosis, ‘Fatimah’ gras