Abstract
Objectives Osteoporosis is an impending problem in the rapidly aging society. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) on osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in rats. Methods 24 rats were randomly assigned to a SHAM group, a control group, and a Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group (n=8). Ovaries were extracted and for 8 weeks, the rats were given dry feeds and Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group were given a mixture of dry feeds and Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$). At 8 weeks, their body weight, femur mass, tibia ash per body ratio, overall surface area and thickness of the trabeculae, overall surface area of the osteoblasts, and the number of osteoclasts were measured and levels of albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total-cholesterol, calcium and estradiol were recorded. Results There was no significant difference in the weight of the femur and the tibia ash per body ratio. The Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group had significantly thicker trabeculae than the control group and showed a minimal increase of overall surface area of the trabeculae. The overall surface area of the osteoblasts and the number of osteoclasts decreased in the Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group. There were no statistically significant differences in AST, ALT, ALP, total cholesterol, phosphorus, and estradiol levels. On the contrary the Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group had significantly higher levels of Albumin, triglyceride, and calcium. Conclusions It can be concluded that oral intake of Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) prevents the thinning process of the trabeculae. Thus, it may have positive effects on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
