Labisia pumila Prevents Complications of Osteoporosis by Increasing Bone Strength in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Abstract

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is the main treatment postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, ERT causes serious side effects, such as cancers and thromboembolic problems. Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) is a herb with potential as an alternative to ERT to prevent complications of osteoporosis, especially fragility fractures. This study was conducted to determine the effects of LPva on the biomechanical strength of femora exposed to osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency, using the postmenopausal rat model. Thirty-two female rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin) (ERT). The LPva and ERT were administered via oral gavage daily at doses of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Following two months of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their right femora were prepared for bone biomechanical testing. The results showed that ovariectomy compromised the femoral strength, while LPva supplementation to the ovariectomized rats improved the femoral strength. Therefore, LPva may be as effective as ERT in preventing fractures due to estrogen-deficient osteoporosis.

Figure 1

Load values: the load parameter measured the force received by the femur before it fractured. Sham (water vehicle), OVXC (water vehicle), LPva (Labisia pumila var. alata 17.5 mg/kg/day), and ERT (Premarin 64.5 μg/kg/day). Value expressed as mean ± SEM; P < 0.05 is considered significant. ^aSignificantly different from Sham group; ^bsignificantly different from OVXC group.

Figure 2

Stress values: the stress parameter measured the load per unit area received by the femur before it fractured. Sham (water vehicle), OVXC (water vehicle), LPva (Labisia pumila var. alata 17.5 mg/kg/day), and ERT (Premarin 64.5 μg/kg/day). Value expressed as mean ± SEM; P < 0.05 is considered significant. ^aSignificantly different from Sham group; ^bsignificantly different from OVXC group.

Figure 3

Strain values: the strain parameter measured the relative deformation of the femur caused by the stress before it fractured. Sham (water vehicle), OVXC (water vehicle), LPva (Labisia pumila var. alata 17.5 mg/kg/day), and ERT (Premarin 64.5 μg/kg/day). Value expressed as mean ± SEM; P < 0.05 is considered significant. ^aSignificantly different from Sham group; ^bsignificantly different from OVXC group.

Figure 4

Young's modulus values: the modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) measured the tendency of the femur to be deformed elastically when a force was applied to it. Sham (water vehicle), OVXC (water vehicle), LPva (Labisia pumila var. alata 17.5 mg/kg/day), and ERT (Premarin 64.5 μg/kg/day). Value expressed as mean ± SEM. P < 0.05 is considered significant. ^aSignificantly different from Sham group; ^bsignificantly different from OVXC group.