Effects of Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) seeds treatment on the mass, quality, and the turnover of bone in ovariectomized rats

Jieun Park, Sahng Wook Hahm, Yong Suk Son

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa), rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, is known to have medicinal benefits in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and inflammation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of cheonnyuncho seed powder (OHS) on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. OHS treatment prevented an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced decrease in biomechanical quality of femurs. OHS also dose-dependently inhibited bone mineral density (BMD) decreases in femurs, which were accompanied by a significant decrease in skeletal remodeling, as evidenced by decreased levels of the bone turnover markers osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and serum and urinary Ca excretion. Micro-CT analysis of femoral metaphysics showed that OHS prevented the OVX-induced decrease in bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number. Concluded, the treatment with OHS improves bone biomechanical quality through modification of BMD and trabecular microarchitecture without hyperplastic effects on the uterus. For these reasons, OHS may be suitable as an alternative treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1517-1524
Number of pages8
JournalFood Science and Biotechnology
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Dec

Keywords

  • Opuntia humifusa
  • bone mineral density
  • bone turnover
  • osteoporosis
  • ovariectomized rat

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

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