Cirsium Setidens Water Extracts Containing Linarin Block Estrogen Deprivation-Induced Bone Loss in Mice

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Osteology

Background:

• Postmenopausal osteoporosis is an osteolytic disease characterized by bone loss, increasing fracture risk.
• Complementary therapies are widely used by women to manage postmenopausal osteoporosis.
• Cirsium setidens contains polyphenols like linarin and apigenin, known for antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Cirsium setidens water extracts (CSEs), linarin, and acacetin in mitigating ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss.
• To determine if these compounds can reverse the adverse effects of estrogen deficiency on bone density and structure.

Main Methods:

• OVX C57BL/6 female mice were used as a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
• CSEs, acacetin, or linarin (20 mg/kg) were administered orally to OVX mice for 8 weeks.
• Bone mineral density (BMD), serum hormone levels, osteoclast activity markers, osteoblast markers, and collagen formation were assessed.

Main Results:

• CSEs and linarin reversed OVX-induced decreases in femoral BMD and serum 17β-estradiol levels.
• These compounds attenuated osteoclast activity markers (TRAP, cathepsin K, MMP-9) and enhanced osteoblast markers (osteocalcin, osteopontin, TNALP).
• CSEs and linarin promoted collagen fiber formation and improved trabecular bone structure in OVX mice.

Conclusions:

• CSEs and linarin effectively inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and promote osteoblastic bone mineralization in an OVX-induced osteoporosis model.
• Linarin, abundant in CSEs, is a potential natural therapeutic compound for postmenopausal osteoporosis and related osteoresorptive disorders.