Effect of Korean oriental medicine extract on bone mass as compared with alendronate in ovariectomized rats

A number of alternative medicines (AMs) have often been used as traditional therapies for various diseases without scientific or clinical evidence supporting their use. The present study examined the pharmaceutical effects of an AM extract with a long history of use as a traditional medicine for various bone diseases. To evaluate it as a potential candidate for use as an anti-osteoporotic drug, we investigated the effects of the AM extract on the progression of bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed a calcium (Ca)-deficient diet for 4 or 12 weeks. We also compared the AM extract with alendronate, an anti-resorptive drug. The AM extract did not influence bone turnover as indicated by biochemical markers [i.e., deoxypyridinoline (DPD)]. In contrast, alendronate treatment seemed to reduce bone turnover via inhibition of bone resorption as evidenced by reduced urinary DPD concentrations accompanied by a tendency for decreased serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Administration of alendronate or AM extracts did not significantly affect bone density, although both tended to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength of the femur. Although both treatments did not affect vertebral BMD and bone strength, histological analysis of vertebrae showed well-developed trabecular networking in OVX rats treated with alendronate or AM extract, in contrast to the thin and disconnected trabecule in OVX rats. In conclusion, the AM extract produced a very weak effect on the prevention of bone loss induced by OVX and Ca deficiency in rats, but was similar to the results observed with alendronate. Further verification is necessary to justify the use of the AM extract as a treatment for osteoporosis.