TARGETING ANTIOSTEOPOROTIC POTENTIAL OF ?-SITOSTEROL INAMORPHOPHALLUS PAEONIIFOLIUSUSING OVARIECTOMIZED RAT MODEL

Mrinal Sanaye* and Bhavna Bohra

ABSTRACT

Petroleum ether extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (PEAP) and β-Sitosterol were evaluated for their anti-osteoporotic activity in ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. Thirty-six female rats (180-220 gm) were randomly divided into six groups (n=6). All groups except sham control were ovariectomized to induce osteoporosis. Treatment with PEAP (100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o) and β-sitosterol (120 mg/kg, p.o) to ovariectomized rats started from 60th day post-ovariectomy for duration of 45 days thereafter. Serum biochemical parameters (Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, inorganic phosphorous) were estimated on 1st and 45th day of treatment. Biomechanical parameters (Bone mineral density(BMD), bone weight, length and thickness, uterine weight, force at break, bone ash calcium content)and histopathology were performed at end of treatment. Elevated levels of serum ALP, calcium and phosphorous due to ovariectomy were significantly attenuated (P<0.0001, P<0.01) on treatment with PEAP and β-sitosterol. Post-ovariectomy rise in body weight was prevented in treatment groups. After administration of PEAP and β-sitosterol total femur BMD and biomechanical strength were significantly (P<0.0001) improved, confirming re-mineralization of bones. Histological results exhibited increased trabecular thickness and decrease osteoclast formation thus indicating protective activity of PEAP and β -sitosterol through promotion of bone formation and suppression of bone resorption. These results suggest that PEAP has remarkable anti-osteoporotic activity due to rich content of phytoestrogen β-sitosterol. And thus, may prove a promising candidate in treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Keywords: Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, ?-Sitosterol, Ovariectomy (OVX), Post-menopausal Osteoporosis, and Bone Mineral Density (BMD).