#167 Development of a polyherbal formulation in the management of osteoporosis in post menopausal women

Abstract

Osteoporosis affects all women, and osteoporotic fractures are more common in menopausal women, which accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. Certain herbs have potential effects in promoting gonadal function, fracture healing and are suitable to counteract/ prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis as compared to synthetic drugs that have been reported for their side effects, including hypercalcemia, vaginal bleeding, risk of endometrial and breast cancer. In the current research, the herbal drugs that have been claimed to improve bone mineral density, lower menopause symptoms, and recommended as an herbal tonic for osteoporosis in women were selected and formulated as capsules. The poly herbal formulation (PHF) containing the alcoholic extracts of Meremmiaumbellata (Convulvulaceae), Hydrocotylejavanica (Apiaceae), and Peristrophebicalyculata (Acanthaceae) was developed and screened for anti-osteoporosis activity in experimental rat models. Results obtained in the present study indicated that treatment with PHF (500 mg/kg) showed a significant increase in femur length, femur diameter, restoration of serum calcium and alkaline phosphate levels, improvement in body weight as compared to positive control rats. Femur bone weight and density were significantly restored with improvement in bone breaking strength after the treatment of PHF. Histopathological study of the femur bone further supported the antiosteoporotic activity. These results showed that developed Poly Herbal Formulation showed significant protection against ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats. Our present investigation supports the use of the developed polyherbal formulation in the treatment of osteoporosis, especially in post menopausal women.