Effects of Pueraria Radix isoflavone (PRI) extract on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

Background and Aim: Cessation of ovarian function is a major cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Ovariectomized rats and dogs have been used extensively in osteoporosis models. This study examined the effect of Pueraria Radix isoflavone extract not only on Bone Mineral Density (BMD) but also on bone strength using bone formation and resorption markers in ovariectomized rats as an osteoporosis model. Methods: The model of Ovariectomized (OVX) rats induced by ovariectomy as previously described and the effect of isoflavone extract was evaluated through the measurement of BMD, the strength of the distal femoral metaphysis and the levels of urinary deoxypyridinoline and serum osteocalcin. Results: In rat administrated with isoflavone extract (only 90 mg/kg) for 12 weeks, BMD was significantly increased, while the doses of 60 and 90 mg/kg decreased urinary deoxypyridinoline and serum osteocalcin to normal level and elevated the strength of the distal femoral metaphysis. Conclusion: These results suggested that Pueraria Radix isoflavone may be a useful traditional medicine for osteoporosis due to stimulated bone resorption.