Effects of the total flavone of epimedium on bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of the total flavone of epimedium(TFE) on bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats and its mechanism.Methods: The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal group,model group,the low,medium and high dose of TFE group,the β-estradiol group.Osteoporosis model was established by ovariectomizing method.Effects of TFE on bone mineral density were tested by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,and effects of TFE-contained serum on vitro-cultured osteoblasts proliferation were analyzed by MTT mothod.Results: Compared with normal group,bone mineral density of model group were lower,which was statistically significant(P0.05,P0.01).Compared with model group,bone mineral density of other group were increased.In addition to body bone mineral density in low,middle and high dose TFE group and bone mineral density of lumbar,skull bone in low dose TFE group,the difference was statistically significant(P0.05,P0.01).2.5% and 5% drug-contained serum can stimulate the proliferation of OB.Conclusion: TFE can increase the bone mineral density of ovariectomized rats,the mechanism of which maybe by stimulating the proliferation of OB.