| Objective The present investigation evaluated the effect of Kangshujiangu Granules on bone homeostasis and autophagy-related factors in ovariectomized osteoporosis (OP) rats and also postulated the possible mechanism of action. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham group, model group, and the low, medium and high dose groups of Kangshujiangu granules. Except for the sham group, the other 4 groups established OP models by ovariectomized. After 12 weeks, check the model construction, confirmed the model is built, the Kangshujiangu granules are given for 12 weeks. The level of ALP, BGP and TRACP in serum and GPR48, ATF4 levels in femoral were assessed by the ELISA. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of AMPK, LC3, Beclin1 and P62 proteins in the femur. Results Kangshujiangu Granules could significantly reduce serum ALP, BGP and TRACP levels in OP rats, increase the levels of GPR48, ATF4 levels in femoral , up-regulate AMPK phosphorylation levels and LC3 and Beclin1 protein expressions, and reduce P62 levels. The difference is statistically significant (P <0.05). The middle-dose group had a significant effect compared with the other two groups, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Kangshujiangu Granules can regulate bone metabolism indexes of serum and bone tissue, alleviate the symptoms of OP in ovariectomized rats. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of AMPK autophagy pathway, which can improve bone homeostasis by promoting bone formation. |