| Objective To investigate the effect of Er-xian decoction on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats and its preliminary mechanism. Methods The female SD rats were divided into 6 groups: sham operated group (Sham), ovariectomized group (Control), Nilestriol with ovariectomized group (Nilestriol), High concentration Er-xian decoction with ovariectomized group (HDED), middle concentration Er-xian decoction with ovariectomized group (MDED), and low concentration Er-xian decoction with ovariectomized group (LDED). Rats in Sham group received sham operation, while all the other rats were ovariectomized. The vaginal smear was observed to detect the estrous cycle of rats during consecutive 10 days after the operation, in order to screen rats. Then the screened rats in Sham group and the Control group were gavaged with normal saline. Rats in Nilestriol groups were gavaged with 1.2mg/kg nilestriol. The rats in HDED group, MDED gropu, and LDED group were gavaged with the extraction of herba epimedii, with the dosage of 12, 8, and 4 g/kg, respectively. All the treatment lasted for 90 days. The changes of bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanics characteristics, and the serum levels of ALP, ACP, SOD, and MDA were observed. Results Compared with that in the Control group, Er-xian decoction could significantly improve BMD, the maximum bending stress, and the loading force of the 5th lumbar vertebra (P<0.01), increase serum ALP and SOD activity (P<0.01), and lower the serum levels of ACP and MDA (P<0.01). Conclusion Er-xian decoction can significantly relieve symptoms of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats, promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, inhibit the function of osteoclasts. Antioxidant stress may be one of the possible mechanisms. |