ANTIOSTEOPOROTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM L. IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

Abin Joy*, Chaitra N. and Mukund Handral

ABSTRACT

The main aim of the study was to carry out and investigate the Antiosteoporotic activity of ethanolic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum (EECH) in ovariectomy (OVX) induced osteoporotic rats. All the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6 each). Group I (Sham operated) received vehicle, p.o., Group II OVX control (vehicle, p.o), Group III was OVX + standard Raloxifene (5.4 mg/kg, p.o) and Group IV& V received OVX + 300 & 600 mg/kg, p.o. of EECH respectively for 90 days. The studies revealed that EECH showed a dose dependent improvement in serum biochemical markers, which were significantly (P<0.0001) higher, whereas the urinary excretion profile was reduced in extract treated when compared to OVX control group. Similarly, in biomechanical parameters also EECH showed a significant change in body weight, bone mechanical strength (P<0.01), ash content (P<0.0001) and BMD (P<0.05) when compared with OVX control rats. Further, histopathological sections studied from the femur bone supported protective effect of EECH, as it restored the normal bone architecture by mineralisation with calcified cartilaginous deposit. All these results significantly indicate a remarkable antiosteoporotic activity of EECH. However, further studies are required to explore the exact mechanism of EECH on improving bone mass and qualities as well as its long term effect on maintenance of bone mass.

Keywords: Cardiospermum halicacabum, Ovariectomy (OVX), Osteoporosis, Biochemical markers, Ash mineral content and BMD.