Prevention of bone loss in calcium deficient ovariectonized rats by OST-6, a herbal preparation

OST-6, a herbomineral preparation, was studied for its inhibitory effects on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy (OVX) and concurrent calcium deficiency in rats. Calcium deficient ovariectomized rats were administered with OST-6 at 250 mg/kg b. w. twice a day orally for 16 weeks. Compared with sham operated animals, OVX animals showed an increase in serum ALP, urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorus, which were significantly prevented in OST-6 administered rats. Evaluation of cortical bone morphometric indices by CT-Scanning technique showed an increased medullary width and cross-sectional medullary area (MA), decreased periosteal area (PA), combined cortical thickness (CCT), cortical area/periosteal area (CA/PA) and maximal metaphyseal radial density (MMRD) in OVX animals when compared with sham operated. OST-6 treatment significantly prevented these bone resorption variables. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) study revealed porous and erosive appearance of femur bone at the epiphyseal region and decreased calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) in the OVX rats when compared with sham operated rats. The treatment with OST-6 prevented the epiphyseal bone resorption and maintained Ca:P ratio. The results of ash analysis indicated a reduced bone mineral content (calcium and phosphorus) and ash weight and percent ash in OVX animals when compared with sham operated animals. All results are statistically significant at P < 0.05. These finding suggest the usefulness of OST-6 in the prevention of bone loss in a natural way through utilization of herbal resources.