The anti-inflammatory effect of Z-Ligustilide in experimental ovariectomized osteopenic rats

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Z-Ligustilide (LIG) in experimental ovariectomized (OVX) osteopenic rats. The anti-inflammatory potential of LIG in the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), maleic dialdehyde (MDA), polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined by ELISA. LIG significantly inhibited OVX-induced up-regulation of NF-κB activation and the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, ICAM-1 and COX-2. Moreover, LIG suppressed MDA and infiltration of PMN. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that there may be an inflammatory component in the etiology of osteoporosis. It revealed a significant anti-inflammatory effect of Z-Ligustilide in experimental OVX osteopenic rats.