Polar Fraction of Punica granatum L. peel extract increased osteoblast number on ovariectomized rat bone

Abstract

The effects of Polar fraction of Punica granatum (L) peel extract on bone loss in ovariectomized (ovx) rats model of osteoporosis were investigated. Forty two 6 weeks old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to seven groups as followed, sham-operated, OVX, OVX-Estradiol (0.5 mg/kgBW), OVXTamoxifen (50 mg/kg BW), OVX-Punica fraction (PF) 50 mg/kg BW, OVX-PF 100 mg/kg BW and OVXPF 200 mg/kg BW for 4 weeks. The administration of Punica fraction was given orally using a stomach tube. The results demonstrated that the administration Punica fraction 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW significantly prevented bone loss in OVX rats which these effect equivalent to Tamoxifen. These effects were described in increased mineral content of calcium. On histology data shown that fraction could increased osteoblast number. This result indicated that polar fraction of ethanolic extract of pomegranate have potential as a drug for osteoporosis.