D(-)-salicin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro

Osteoporosis is a disease, which causes huge economic and social burden. Using natural compound to treat such disease is beneficial for the fewer side effects and effectiveness. D-(-)-salicin (DSA) is a component extracted from the bark of Populus and Salix species. In our research, we discovered that DSA suppressed RANKL-induced differentiation of osteoclast in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. It was also found that the mineral resorbing activity by osteoclasts was depressed via DSA. For the mechanism, we confirmed the inhibitory effect, by which DSA suppressed osteoclast formation and function, was through the inhibition of ROS signaling, MAPK and NF-κB cascades. DSA also suppressed the expression and activity of NFATc1. Therefore, by inhibiting the ROS production, MAPK and NF-κB signal cascade, DSA inhibited the osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro.