Antiosteoporotic activity of Salvadora persica sticks extract in an estrogen deficient model of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES

The effect of Salvadora persica sticks on prevention of tooth decay is well established, but the effect of S. persica stick extract (SPE) on the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline information of the effectiveness of SPE on ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis.

METHODS

SPE was administered at 50, 150, and 300 mg/d orally to OVX rats for 16 weeks. Serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus, and urinary deoxypyridinoline, calcium, and phosphorus were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD), 3-point bending test, and histomorphometric characteristics of the femoral bone were also examined.

RESULTS

SPE at doses of 150 and 300 mg/d, but not 50 mg/d, significantly prevented bone loss in OVX rats as proved by decreased biochemical markers of bone resorption and increased BMD and biomechanical indices of the femoral bone.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms a dose-dependent protective action of SPE on rat OVX model of osteoporosis. This effect needs further investigation at the molecular and clinical levels to provide a natural and cost-effective alternative for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.