| Objective To observe the effect of Jiaweiyanghe decoction and its disassembled prescription on the levels of OPG, RANKL, and RANK, and to explore the possible mechanism in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the rationality of prescription compatibility. Methods Forty-eight female SD rats were selected. The prescription of Jiaweiyanghe decoction was disassembled according to its rule of chief, adjuvant, assistant, and courier herbs. Rats were randomly divided into control group (SHAM), model group (OVX), Chief + Adjuvant group (group A), Chief + Adjuvant + Assistant group (group B), Chief + Adjuvant + Assistant + Courier group (group C), and estradiol valerate group (E2V). Except SHAM group, rats in other groups were ovariectomized to establish the model of osteoporosis. After drug intervention (gavage for 90 days), bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the right femur and tibia were detected with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone microstructure of the left femur was observed with HE staining method. Serum bone metabolic indexes, contents of ALP, Ca2+, P3-, E2, and serum levels of OPG, RANKL, and RANK were examined. Results Compared with those in SHAM group, BMD and BMC of the femur and tibia in OVX group decreased (P<0.05), the bone trabeculae became thinner, the space increased, and the structure was missing. Serum Ca2+, P3-, E2, and OPG levels decreased (P<0.05), and serum ALP, RANKL, and RANK levels increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in OVX group, there was no significant difference in BMD, BMC, serum Ca2+, P3-, E2, OPG, RANKL levels in group A and P3- level in group B in the femur and tibia (P>0.05). BMD and BMC of the femur and tibia increased significantly (P<0.05). trabecular bone increased, gap decreased, structure tended to complete, and serum levels of Ca2+, P3-, E2, and OPG increased (P<0.05) in every dose group. Serum levels of ALP, RANKL, and RANK decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion Jiaweiyanghe decoction and its disassembled prescriptions play a therapeutic role in improving BMD and BMC, reducing bone metabolism, and improving bone microstructure in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats. The possible mechanism is to regulate the OPG/RANKL/RANK axis. |