Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins extract on mandibles in developing rats

Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract (GSPE), a flavonoid, has a beneficial effect on physical health, which may include the health of bone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of GSPE on mandibular bone by examining trabecular and cortical bone density, mineral content, and non-invasive bone strength in low-calcium diet rats.

Wistar male rats at 5 weeks old (n = 40) were divided into control (A), low-calcium diet (B), low-calcium diet plus standard diet (C), and low-calcium diet plus standard diet with supplementary GSPE (D) groups. Following 3 weeks of a calcium-restricted diet, group D rats were given 3 mg of GSPE as supplement in 100 g of a standard diet for the next 3 weeks. Following the 6-week experimental period, mandibular bones were examined using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

There were no significant differences in body weight or trabecular bone area among the four groups. Trabecular bone density, and trabecular bone mineral content, cortical bone density, cortical bone cross-sectional area, and cortical bone mineral content were significantly higher in group D than in C. Further, Stress-strain index (SSI) values of xSSI and ySSI in group D were significantly higher than in C, although there was no significant difference in pSSI value between those two groups.

Our results suggest that GSPE treatment caused an increase in both bone formation and bone strength in rat mandibles.