Evaluation of possible preventive activity of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. against osteoporosis, an in vivo study

Osteoporosis is generally associated with decrease and degeneration of bone tissue which may lead to fragileness and fracture. A part from conventional interventions, application of natural medicine in prevention and management of osteoporosis is also given consideration. Accordingly, current study aimed to assess the possible effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Elaeagnaceae) fruits hydroalcoholic extract on some biochemical parameters related to bone density. In an 8-week intervention, seventy virgin rats were distributed in seven study groups and sixty of those were bilaterally ovariectomized. Groups were as; first or control with no surgery or intervention, second as ovariectomized control group with no intervention, third ovariectomized with estradiol (2 mg/kg)-injected, fourth as ovariectomized with E. angustifolia extract (oral, 500 mg/kg), fifth as ovariectomized E. angustifolia extract (oral, 1000 mg/kg), sixth as ovariectomized rats with E. angustifolia extract (oral, 1500 mg/kg), and seventh as ovariectomized and received both E. angustifolia extract (oral, 1000 mg/kg) and estradiol (IM, 2 mg/kg). At the end, mean serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and prostatic acid levels in each group were evaluated. Neither estradiol, nor extract could elevate the serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Also the level of alkaline phosphatase remained stable. Prostatic acid phosphatase -usually increases during osteoporosis- significantly declined in intervention groups (extracts), dose dependently. To assess the preventive effects of E. angustifolia, the intervention was performed once after ovariectomy. The negative results for some parameters may be related to poor osteoporosis intensity. Although impacts of the extract on serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase was not satisfactory, significant decline in tartrate-resistant (Prostatic) acid phosphatase was found. Based on the results, E. angustifolia may have positive preventive effects on osteoporosis. However, complementary studied are to be added to this study to conclusively proved the results.