Evaluation of silicon extract from leaves of phyllostachys edulis for topical anti-osteoporosis activity

This study was intended to investigate the assimilation and the effect of BS on bone loss in ovariectomized rats. 100 Adult female SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. One group was sham operated and ovariectomy rats were performed in other 4 groups: three of which were respectively supplemented with 1.0 mg BS, 1.0 mg estradiol, 150.0 mg Ca/kg BW/day and other rats were model controls. Urine was collected in metabolic cages after 1 month and rats were sacrificed after 3 months. Bone density (BMD) was analyzed by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Si concentration was measured by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Zeeman background correction. The results showed that BS supplementation increased significantly the femoral and Lumbar BMD (H1: +8.59%, H2: +9.58%, HT: +9.38%, L: +13.48%, BSG vs MCG, p<0.01). The present results suggest that BS may have a beneficial action on bone health.