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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Isolation, Purification, and Differentiation of Osteoclast Precursors from Rat Bone Marrow
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Published on: May 19, 2019

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Longan fruit increase bone mineral density in zebrafish and ovariectomized rat by suppressing RANKL-induced

Younglim Son1, Eun Mi Lee1, Do Yup Lee1

  • 1Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, BK21PLUS Program, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.

Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology
|April 13, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Longan fruit extract (LFE) inhibits osteoclast differentiation by blocking the NF-κB pathway. This natural extract shows potential as a herbal therapeutic for preventing and treating osteoporosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Osteology
  • Natural Products Research

Background:

  • The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is crucial for osteoclast differentiation.
  • This pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify plant extracts that inhibit the RANKL-induced NF-κB signaling pathway.
  • To evaluate the anti-osteoporotic effects of these extracts using animal models.

Main Methods:

  • Osteoclast differentiation assessed via western blot, RT-PCR, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assay.
  • Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruit extract (LFE) effects on bone mineral density evaluated in zebrafish (calcein staining) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats (micro-CT).

Main Results:

  • LFE prevented NF-κB translocation to the nucleus by maintaining inhibitor of NF-κB levels.
  • LFE reduced nuclear levels of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1, key regulators of osteoclastogenesis.
  • LFE suppressed cathepsin K and TRAP expression, decreasing TRAP-positive multinucleated cells without cytotoxicity.
  • LFE enhanced bone mineralization in zebrafish and prevented bone loss in OVX rats.

Conclusions:

  • LFE demonstrates anti-osteoporotic activity by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.
  • LFE holds potential as a herbal therapeutic or preventive agent for osteoporosis.
Keywords:
Bone mineral densityLongan fruit extractNF-κBOsteoclast differentiationRANKL

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