Labisia pumila protects the bone of estrogen-deficient rat model: a histomorphometric study

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) is a phytoestrogenic herb with potential as an alternative to Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. LP has been reported to produce similar effects to ERT on the bone markers, but could not match ERT in terms of maintaining the bone calcium in postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. This study aimed to examine in detail the effects of LP on the bone of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model using bone histomorphometry.

Materials and methods: Thirty two female rats were randomly divided into groups of: Sham operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin®) (ERT). The LP and ERT were administered through the route of oral gavage daily at the dose of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg respectively. Following 2 months of treatment, rats were euthanized and the left femurs were dissected out and prepared for bone histomorphometry.

Results: Histomorphometric analysis revealed osteoporotic changes for the ovariectomized rats. Supplementation of LP to ovariectomized rats could prevent these osteoporotic changes, as effective as ERT.

Conclusion: This confirmed that LP has potential as an alternative to ERT for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.