Effect of total flavonoids of herba epimedii on osteoblast and osteoclast cultured in vitro

AIM: To observe the effects of total flavonoids of herba epimedii (HEF) on osteoblast and osteoclast cultured in vitro. METHODS: The osteoblasts and osteoclasts of newborn SD rats were obtained through the enzyme dissociation method and mechanical isolated method, respectively. The different HEF concentrations (10 -10-10 -4 mol·L -1) were added into the culture medium, and the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of the osteoblast were observed. Dynamic changes in numbers, morphology of the osteoclast were detected with tartrate resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The resorption pits and areas on slices were counted by Image-Pro Plus. RESULTS: When HEF was detected with proliferation rate at 10 -4 mol·L -1, There was significant difference compared with the control group (P 0.01). The alkaline phosphatase activity significantly increased at HEF≥10 -8 mol·L -1. The mineralized areas/well were significantly increased compared among the 10 -10, 10 -4 mol·L -1, and control groups (P 0.01) . After 3 d incubation, the numbers of the resorption pits demonstrated that there was inhibition of resorption of osteoclasts at different concentrations. There was statistic difference only at 10 -4 mol·L -1 (P 0.05). There were no significant differences at areas of the resorption pits among 10 -10 mol·L -1, 10 -4 mol·L -1 and the control groups (P 0.05). CONCLUSION: HEF can not only stimulate formation of bone through affecting the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts, but also decrease the numbers of the osteoclasts and inhibit osteoclast resorption activity in vitro directly.