Bioactive Phytochemicals from Artocarpus integer Leaves Improve Bone-Related Outcomes in Ovariectomized Rats: An...

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass, impaired bone remodeling, and an increased risk of fractures, particularly under estrogen-deficient conditions. Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. contains prenylated flavonoids and chalcone derivatives with diverse biological activities; however, its anti-osteoporotic potential remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, molecular mechanisms, and anti-osteoporotic effects of A. integer leaf extract in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model.

Phytochemical profiling was performed using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Network pharmacology was employed to identify potential osteoporosis-related targets and signaling pathways. The anti-osteoporotic activity of the extract was evaluated in OVX rats through physiological and biochemical assessments, including body weight gain, uterine weight, serum biomarkers, femoral calcium content, and RT-PCR analysis of genes associated with osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and estrogen signaling.

LC-HRMS analysis identified several bioactive compounds, including isobavachalcone, artocarpesin, morachalcone A, genistein, apigenin, luteolin, naringenin, catechin derivatives, and mangiferin. Network pharmacology revealed 96 overlapping targets between A. integer phytochemicals and osteoporosis-related genes, highlighting pathways involved in estrogen signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, osteoclast differentiation, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. In vivo, OVX rats exhibited increased body weight gain, uterine atrophy, elevated leptin levels, reduced adiponectin concentrations, and decreased femoral calcium content. Treatment with A. integer attenuated OVX-induced metabolic alterations, improved adipokine profiles, and increased femoral calcium content, particularly in the medium-dose group. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the upregulation of the osteogenic markers Runx2 and Osx, together with the downregulation of the osteoclastogenic markers TRAP.

Artocarpus integer leaf extract exhibited promising anti-osteoporotic activity through the coordinated regulation of osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, estrogen-related signaling, and bone mineral preservation. These findings support the potential development of A. integer as a nutraceutical candidate for the prevention or management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.