| Objective To explore the possibility that Oridonin (ORI) in relieving postmenopausal osteoporosis ( PMOP) in mice by regulating the intestinal flora.Methods The mice were grouped randomly into the Normal, Model, Positive (estradiol valerate), and ORI low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, each consisting of 8 mice. The PMOP mouse model was induced in all groups through ovariectomy, except in the Normal group.Following an 8-week intervention, the HE staining technique was utilized to observe the pathological alterations in the bone tissue of the proximal tibia; Micro CT scanning was employed to examine variations in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microstructure parameters in mice; ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum of mice. The diversity and relative abundance of intestinal flora at the order and genus levels in each group were assessed through 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S rDNA) sequencing technology. Results In comparison to the Normal group, the bone tissue structure of mice in the Model group was greatly disturbed, showing a notable decrease in BMD levels (P <0.05), as well as a significant increase in ALP, TRACP-5b levels (P <0.05). In comparison to the Model group, the ORI group's mice exhibited a marked improvement in bone tissue structure damage, with BMD activity significantly heightened (P <0.05) and ALP, TRACP-5b levels notably reduced (P <0.05). Additionally, ORI promoted the proliferation of intestinal probiotics, inhibited the colonization and reproduction of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, improved the intestinal flora structure, and facilitated the restoration of the intestinal microecological environment. Conclusion ORI may alleviate PMOP by regulating the intestinal microflora. |