Effects of Osteo-F, a new herbal formula, on osteoporosis via up-regulation of Runx2 and Osterix

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and structural weakness, resulting in a high risk of fracture. The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative effects of a herbal formula, Osteo-F, containing Schizandra chinensis, Lycium chinensis and Eucommia ulmoides, on osteoporosis. Female ICR mice were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (Sham) and five ovariectomized (OVX) groups: OVX with vehicle (OVX), OVX with calcium (Ca), and OVX with 1, 10 and 100 mg per kg per day Osteo-F (OF1, OF10 and OF100). Oral administration of Ca or Osteo-F started 7 weeks after OVX and lasted for 13 weeks. The femurs were collected to analyze the bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone histology. Blood was collected to examine serum calcium concentration. In addition, the expressions of Runx2 and Osterix in SaOS-2 osteoblast cells were analyzed to confirm the mechanism on osteoblast differentiation. In the present study, Osteo-F treatment significantly restored the low BMC and BMD in the femur. As shown in histological analysis, hyperplasia of the growth plate in the epiphyseal plate was markedly recovered in Osteo-F-treated bone. In addition, serum calcium concentrations were increased with Osteo-F treatment. In the in vitro study, the expressions of Runx2 and Osterix were significantly increased in Osteo-F-treated SaOS-2 osteoblast cells. These results indicate that oral administration of Osteo-F, a newly developed formula, has ameliorative effects on osteoporosis by increasing osteoblast related markers, such as Runx2 and Osterix.