PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION FOR ANTI-OSTEOPOROTIC ACTIVITY OF HERBAL EXTRACT
Arti Kumari, Aryan Jain, Bhavyita Rajpoot, Binod Chandra Choudhary, Diksha Jat
ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, leading to increased fracture risk. Current pharmacological treatments are effective but often associated with adverse effects, prompting the search for safer, natural alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic potential of the ethanolic extract of Curcuma caesia rhizome in a dexamethasone-induced osteoporotic rat model. Curcuma caesia rhizomes were extracted using ethanol, yielding 8.25% w/w extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, diterpenes, phenols, proteins, and carbohydrates. Osteoporosis was induced using dexamethasone, and treatment effects were assessed on serum calcium and phosphorus levels, as well as femur weight, length, and bone calcium content. Raloxifene (5.4 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. The extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly improved serum calcium and phosphorus levels and restored femoral parameters compared to the osteoporotic control group. The 200 mg/kg dose showed effects comparable to raloxifene, indicating a dose-dependent protective effect. The phytochemicals present, especially flavonoids and phenols, may contribute to the observed bone-conserving effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The ethanolic extract of Curcuma caesia rhizome exhibits significant anti-osteoporotic activity in dexamethasone-induced rats, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for osteoporosis management. Further studies are needed to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance.
[Full Text Article]