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Updated: May 27, 2026
Differentiation of Functional Osteoclasts from Human Peripheral Blood CD14+ Monocytes
Published on: January 27, 2023
Extracts of marine algae show inhibitory activity against osteoclast differentiation
1Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. tskoyama@kaiyodai.ac.jp
Abstract:
Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that play a crucial role in bone resorption. The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation results in osteoporosis. Therefore, substances that can suppress osteoclast formation are potential candidate materials for drug development or functional foods. There have been reports that extracts or purified compounds from marine micro- and macroalgae can suppress osteoclast differentiation. Symbioimine, isolated from the cultured dinoflagellate Symbiodinium sp., had suppressive effects against osteoclast differentiation in osteoclast-like cells. Norzoanthamine, isolated from the colonial zoanthid Zoanthas sp., has been shown to have antiosteoporosis activity in ovariectomized mice. With regard to marine extracts, the fucoxanthin-rich component from brown algae has been shown to have suppressive effects against osteoclast differentiation. An extract of Sargassum fusiforme has recently been shown to have antiosteoporosis activity. This extract suppressed both osteoclast differentiation and accelerated osteoblast formation in separate in vitro experiments. It also showed antiosteoporosis activity in ovariectomized mice by regulating the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. These marine algae and their extracts may be sources of marine medicinal foods for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Insights
Marine algae extracts show promise in preventing osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclast formation and promoting bone health. These natural compounds offer potential as functional foods or therapeutic agents for bone disease.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoclasts are key cells in bone resorption; their imbalance with bone formation leads to osteoporosis.
- Marine organisms, including algae and zoanthids, contain compounds with potential anti-osteoporosis effects.
- Previous studies indicate marine extracts and compounds can inhibit osteoclast differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of marine algae extracts and compounds in preventing osteoporosis.
- To evaluate the effects of specific marine compounds (Symbioimine, Norzoanthamine) and extracts (fucoxanthin-rich, Sargassum fusiforme) on osteoclast differentiation and bone metabolism.
- To explore marine resources as sources for functional foods and drugs for osteoporosis management.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using osteoclast-like cells to assess the suppressive effects of Symbioimine on osteoclast differentiation.
- In vivo studies in ovariectomized mice to evaluate the anti-osteoporosis activity of Norzoanthamine.
- In vitro and in vivo experiments with Sargassum fusiforme extract to assess its impact on osteoclast differentiation, osteoblast formation, and bone metabolism in ovariectomized mice.
Main Results:
- Symbioimine, from Symbiodinium sp., suppressed osteoclast differentiation in vitro.
- Norzoanthamine, from Zoanthas sp., demonstrated anti-osteoporosis activity in vivo.
- Fucoxanthin-rich brown algae components showed suppressive effects on osteoclast differentiation.
- Sargassum fusiforme extract inhibited osteoclast differentiation and enhanced osteoblast formation in vitro, and exhibited anti-osteoporosis effects in vivo by balancing bone resorption and formation.
Conclusions:
- Marine algae and their extracts, such as Sargassum fusiforme, are promising sources for developing marine medicinal foods for osteoporosis prevention.
- Compounds like Symbioimine and Norzoanthamine derived from marine organisms exhibit significant potential in combating osteoporosis.
- Marine natural products offer a viable strategy for regulating bone metabolism and preventing bone loss.
