Rosmarinic acid exerts an antiosteoporotic effect in the RANKL-induced mouse model of bone loss by promotion of osteoblastic differentiation and inhibition of osteoclastic differentiation

Construction of a layer-by-layer self-assembled rosemarinic acid delivery system on the surface of CFRPEEK implants for enhanced anti-inflammatory and osseointegration activities

Carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (CFRPEEK) implants have attracted widespread attention in the field of clinical bone defect repair. However, the surface bioinertness confines the application of CFRPEEK implants. Inspired by the study of rosmarinic acid (RA)-promoted osteogenic differentiation, a self-assembly surface modification method based on electrostatic interactions, involving deposition of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan and rosmarinic acid layer by layer on the surface of poly-L-lysine modified hydroxy CFRPEEK (SCPP/CC5@RA), is proposed to introduce RA on the surface of CFRPEEK for bioactivation. After layer-by-layer self-assembly (LBL), the surface of SCPP/CC5@RA exhibits weak electrophoresis (11.43 eV), suitable hydrophilicity, and bioactivity. The results of in vitro studies indicate that the RA release behavior of SCPP/CC5@RA effectively regulates the immune-inflammatory response and promotes the differentiation of osteoblasts. The rapid release of RA (0.17 μg mL-1) in the initial stage can downregulate the secretion of inflammation-related cytokines and significantly reduce oxidative stress levels; the sustained release of RA (0.06 μg mL-1) in the late stage can upregulate the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and induce mineralization of osteoblasts. Moreover, the rabbit tibia defect model demonstrates that the LBL technique can enhance the osseointegration of CFRPEEK implants. Compared with the control group, the bone trabecular thickness of the SCPP/CC5@RA group increases by 1.36 times, and the maximum pushing force increases by 2.67 times. In summary, this study provides a promising LBL based RA delivery system for the development of a dual-functional CFRPEEK implant in the field of bone implant biomaterials.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Coleus amboinicus: A Comprehensive Review

Coleus amboinicus Benth., also known as Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family commonly found in tropical and warm regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Folk medicine commonly employs this remedy to address various ailments, including but not limited to asthma, headaches, skin disorders, coughs, constipation, colds, and fevers. Several phytoconstituents from various phytochemical classes, such as phenolics, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavones, and tannins, have been identified in Coleus amboinicus up to the present time. Numerous pharmacological properties of Coleus amboinicus crude extracts have been documented through both in vitro and in vivo studies, including but not limited to antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, wound healing, analgesic, antirheumatic, and various other therapeutic effects. Due to its extensive history of traditional usage, the diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals, and numerous established pharmacological activities, Coleus amboinicus is widely regarded as having significant potential for clinical applications and warrants further exploration, development, and exploitation through research. With this context, the present study gathers information on the occurrence, biological description, cultivation, and nutritional values of Coleus amboinicus. Furthermore, it thoroughly discusses various phytoconstituents, along with their classes, present in Coleus amboinicus, followed by detailed descriptions of their pharmacological activities based on recent literature.

An aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris L. ameliorates cadmium-induced bone loss by promoting osteogenic differentiation in female rats

Cadmium (Cd) causes bone loss, concerning inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) has the potential for promoting osteogenic differentiation, but its influence on Cd-induced bone loss is unclear. This study investigated the effect of PV aqueous extract (PVE) on Cd-induced bone loss and its underlying mechanisms. Eight-week-old female SD rats were randomly assigned into four groups and treated for 16 weeks: Control, Cd (50 mg/L of Cd chloride), Cd + PV Low (125 mg/kg bw of PVE), and Cd + PV High (250 mg/kg bw of PVE). PV ameliorated femoral bone loss in Cd-treated rats manifested as increases in bone mineral density, bone volume, trabecular thickness, number, and area, and decreases in trabecular separation. Compared with Cd group, PV-treatment groups had higher serum levels of bone formation markers (ALP, BGP). Additionally, in PV-treatment groups, expressions of bone formation markers (Osterix, Runx2) and molecules involved in osteogenic differentiation signal pathway BMP/Smad (BMP4, Smad1/5/9) in the tibia of rats and isolated rat primary BMSCs were upregulated. These results suggest that PV alleviates Cd-induced bone loss by promoting osteogenic differentiation, which is likely associated with BMP/Smad pathway.

The Effect of Rosmarinus Officinalis as a Potential Root Canal Medication on the Viability of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

AIM

The objective of the current study was to assess and compare the impact of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) with rosmarinic acid (RA) on the viability of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dental pulp stem cells were isolated and characterized using flow cytometry. The cells were treated with (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) concentrations for TAP and Ca(OH)2 and (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µM) concentrations for RA. Cell viability was evaluated after 3 days, with cell proliferation further analyzed over 3, 5, and 7 days utilizing the MTT assay. The optical density (OD) was quantified at 570 nm, subsequently enabling the determination of corrected OD and cell viability. ANOVA followed by the post hoc Tuckey test evaluated the statistical significance at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Following the cell viability test, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL of TAP and Ca(OH)2 showed no significant difference for DPSCs compared to the control group. While dosages of 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, and 5 mg/mL significantly reduced cell viability (p < 0.05). However, 6.25 µM and 12.5 µM concentrations of RA showed a significant increase in cell viability compared to untreated cells, 25 µM and 50 µM concentrations showed no significant difference compared to untreated cells while 100 µM concentration showed a decrease in cell viability (p < 0.05). Moreover, RA at a concentration of 12.5 µM exhibited a significant enhancement in cell proliferation rates after 5 and 7 days.

CONCLUSION

Rosmarinic acid showed a significant increase in cell viability when used at 6.25 and 12.5 µM concentrations compared to TAP and CA(OH)2.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The assessment of cytotoxicity associated with bioactive compounds like RA, which processes antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, holds importance. This evaluation could pave the way for novel intracanal medicaments that enhance the regenerative potential of DPSCs.

Green Alternatives as Antimicrobial Agents in Mitigating Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review

Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common infectious oral diseases impacting oral health globally. Oral cavity health is crucial for enhancing life quality since it serves as the entranceway to general health. The oral microbiome and oral infectious diseases are strongly correlated. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria have been associated with periodontal diseases. Due to the shortcomings of several antimicrobial medications frequently applied in dentistry, the lack of resources in developing countries, the prevalence of oral inflammatory conditions, and the rise in bacterial antibiotic resistance, there is a need for reliable, efficient, and affordable alternative solutions for the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Several accessible chemical agents can alter the oral microbiota, although these substances also have unfavorable symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tooth discoloration. Natural phytochemicals generated from plants that have historically been used as medicines are categorized as prospective alternatives due to the ongoing quest for substitute products. This review concentrated on phytochemicals or herbal extracts that impact periodontal diseases by decreasing the formation of dental biofilms and plaques, preventing the proliferation of oral pathogens, and inhibiting bacterial adhesion to surfaces. Investigations examining the effectiveness and safety of plant-based medicines have also been presented, including those conducted over the past decade.

Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives: Current insights on anticancer potential and other biomedical applications

Cancer is still the leading cause of death worldwide, burdening the global medical system. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is among the first secondary metabolites discovered and it is a bioactive compound identified in plants such as Boraginaceae and Nepetoideae subfamilies of the Lamiaceae family, including Thymus masticmasti chinaythia koreana, Ocimum sanctum, and Hyptis pectinate. This updated review is to highlight the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of RA and its derivatives, thus providing valuable clues for the potential development of some complementary drugs in the treatment of cancers. Relevant information about RA's chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects and its derivatives were collected from electronic scientific databases, such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, TRIP database, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The results of the studies showed numerous significant biological effects such as antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and antiangiogenic effects. Most of the studies on the anticancer potential with the corresponding mechanisms are still in the experimental preclinical stage and are missing evidence from clinical trials to support the research. To open new anticancer therapeutic perspectives of RA and its derivatives, future clinical studies must elucidate the molecular mechanisms and targets of action in more detail, the human toxic potential and adverse effects.

New bone-generative effect of Salvia officinalis L. in the expanded midpalatal suture : An in vivo and in vitro study

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of Salvia officinalis Linnaeus (L.) leaf extract on new bone formation in the expanded premaxillary suture in rats in vivo and to examine the antioxidant effects and phenolic profile of Salvia officinalis (SO) leaf and root extracts in vitro.

METHODS

Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to two groups: SO group (n = 7) and control group (n = 7). An open-loop spring was attached to the upper incisors of each rat to expand the premaxillae. A 5-day expansion period followed by a 12-day retention period was observed. The rats in the SO group received systemic administration of 20 mg SO/kg/day via the orogastric route for 17 days. Histomorphometric examinations were carried out to examine the amount of new bone formation, number of capillaries, and intensity of inflammatory cell response. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to examine the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Leaf and root extracts of SO were also analyzed for antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in vitro.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that the following were higher in the SO group than in the control group: new bone formation, number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, intensity of inflammatory cell response (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages), and number of capillaries. The major compound identified in SO leaf extract was rosmarinic acid, while luteolin derivatives, salvianolic acid F, and medioresinol were also present.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvia officinalis L. from leaf extract provided antioxidant effects and stimulated enhanced new bone formation in the expanded midpalatal suture after maxillary expansion in rats.

Water Extract of Mentha arvensis L. Attenuates Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss by Inhibiting Osteoclast Differentiation

Mentha arvensis L., is an aromatic herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is widely used in medicinal applications, essential oil applications, and food flavoring. The extract of M. arvensis has been reported to exert sedative-hypnotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects. However, its effects on bone metabolism have not yet been studied. Here, we investigated the effects of the water extract of M. arvensis (WEMA) on osteoclast formation in vitro and bone loss in an ovariectomized mouse model. We found that WEMA inhibited osteoclast differentiation by directly acting on osteoclast precursor cells. WEMA inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced the expression of cellular oncogene fos (c-Fos) and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), crucial transcription factors for osteoclast differentiation, by suppressing RANKL-induced activation of early signaling pathways such as those of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In addition, oral administration of WEMA suppressed ovariectomy-induced trabecular bone loss in mice. We additionally identified phytochemicals in WEMA that are known to have anti-osteoclastogenic or anti-osteoporotic properties. Collectively, these results suggest that WEMA is a promising herbal candidate that can be used to prevent or treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Wnt signaling activation: targets and therapeutic opportunities for stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine

Wnt proteins are secreted morphogens that play critical roles in embryonic development, stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, tissue regeneration and remodeling in adults. While aberrant Wnt signaling contributes to diseases such as cancer, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a target of interest in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Recent high throughput screenings from chemical and biological libraries, combined with improved gene expression reporter assays of Wnt/β-catenin activation together with rational drug design, led to the development of a myriad of Wnt activators, with different mechanisms of actions. Among them, Wnt mimics, antibodies targeting Wnt inhibitors, glycogen-synthase-3β inhibitors, and indirubins and other natural product derivatives are emerging modalities to treat bone, neurodegenerative, eye, and metabolic disorders, as well as prevent ageing. Nevertheless, the creation of Wnt-based therapies has been hampered by challenges in developing potent and selective Wnt activators without off-target effects, such as oncogenesis. On the other hand, to avoid these risks, their use to promote ex vivo expansion during tissue engineering is a promising application.

PCL and PCL/bioactive glass biomaterials as carriers for biologically active polyphenolic compounds: Comprehensive physicochemical and biological evaluation

In this work, polymeric and bioactive glass (BG)-modified composite films were successfully loaded with polyphenols (PPh) extracted from sage. It was hypothesized that PPh, alone and in combination with BGs particles, would affect physicochemical and biological properties of the films. Furthermore, sol-gel-derived BG particles would serve as an agent for control the release of the polyphenolic compounds, and other important properties related to the presence of PPh. The results showed that polyphenolic compounds significantly modified numerous material properties and also acted as biologically active substances. On the one hand, PPh can be considered as plasticizers for PCL, on the other hand, they can act as coupling agent in composite materials, improving their mechanical performance. The presence of PPh in materials improved their hydrophilicity and apatite-forming ability, and also provided antioxidant activity. What is important is that the aforementioned properties and kinetics of PPh release can be modulated by the use of various concentrations of PPh, and by the modification of PCL matrix with sol-gel-derived BG particles, capable of binding PPh. The films containing the lowest concentration of PPh exhibited cytocompatibility, significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of bone extracellular matrix proteins (osteocalcin and osteopontin) in human normal osteoblasts, while they reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species production in macrophages. Furthermore, materials loaded with PPh showed antibiofilm properties against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The results suggest that obtained materials represent potential multifunctional biomaterials for bone tissue engineering with a wide range of tunable properties.

Effect of rosmarinic acid on differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on titanium surface

Titanium (Ti) is a widely used biomaterial for dental implants because of its outstanding biocompatibility for hard tissues. Osseointegration, the interaction between implanted biomaterials and living cells in bone, is essential for successful implantation. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a plant-derived phytochemical with low toxicity and side effects and has various effects that can be applied as a therapeutic substance. The MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface in medium with or without 14 μg/ml RA were used to test RA effects on osteoblast differentiation, cell viability and mineralization during differentiation. RA treatment increased osteoblast differentiation, cell viability and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on Ti surface during differentiation, upregulating Runx-2 and OPG, but downregulating RANKL. This study suggest that RA should be applied as an effective functional and therapeutic substance to enhance osseointegration of osteoblast cells by increasing differentiation, mineralization, and bone formation through the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway during the differentiation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface.

Water Extract of Agastache rugosa Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss by Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis

Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women causes homeostatic imbalance of bone, resulting in bone loss and osteoporosis. Agastache rugosa, a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is an aromatic herb, and the leaves of this herb are widely used as food ingredients. Extracts of A. rugosa have various bioactivities including anti-HIV integration, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic properties. However, the beneficial effect of A. rugosa on bone has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of water extract of A. rugosa (WEAR) on osteoclast differentiation and estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice as an animal model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The oral administration of WEAR remarkably improved OVX-induced trabecular bone loss and fat accumulation in the bone marrow. WEAR suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in osteoclast precursor cells, subsequently inhibiting resorption activity on a bone mimetic surface. WEAR inhibited the expression of cellular oncogene fos (c-Fos) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), key osteoclastogenic transcription factors, by decreasing RANKL-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. We also identified seventeen phytochemicals present in WEAR, including five phenols and twelve flavonoids, and found eleven bioactive constituents that have anti-osteoclastogenic effects. Collectively, these results suggest that WEAR could be used to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis.

Managing Feline Idiopathic Hypercalcemia With Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): A Case Series

Background: We describe for the first time the use of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a non-pharmacological solution in managing feline idiopathic hypercalcemia when dietary change alone fails. Case Summary: Over a 2-year period of time, three female spayed, middle-aged, Domestic Shorthair cats were diagnosed with idiopathic hypercalcemia. Reason for consultation were lethargy and dysorexia, with a single episode of vomiting described in one cat and dysuria in another. Thorough diagnostic work-up included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, ionized calcium, calcemic hormones, parathyroid hormone-related protein, and imaging of chest and abdomen. Based on different nutritional reasons, each cat was switched to a different high-moisture pet food as first-step in managing the disorder: a high-fiber diet, a diet formulated for chronic kidney disease management and a diet designed to prevent calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In the three cats, 6 weeks of dietary change alone did not result in normocalcemia. Before resorting to any pharmacological solution, supplementation to the diet of chia seeds (2 g/cat/day) was started. After 4 weeks from the introduction of Salvia hispanica L., all cats achieved normalization of ionized calcium concentration. Conclusion: Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation could be a useful tool in managing feline idiopathic hypercalcemia.

Small Molecule Wnt Pathway Modulators from Natural Sources: History, State of the Art and Perspectives

The Wnt signaling is one of the major pathways known to regulate embryonic development, tissue renewal and regeneration in multicellular organisms. Dysregulations of the pathway are a common cause of several types of cancer and other diseases, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This makes Wnt signaling an important therapeutic target. Small molecule activators and inhibitors of signaling pathways are important biomedical tools which allow one to harness signaling processes in the organism for therapeutic purposes in affordable and specific ways. Natural products are a well known source of biologically active small molecules with therapeutic potential. In this article, we provide an up-to-date overview of existing small molecule modulators of the Wnt pathway derived from natural products. In the first part of the review, we focus on Wnt pathway activators, which can be used for regenerative therapy in various tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage and the nervous system. The second part describes inhibitors of the pathway, which are desired agents for targeted therapies against different cancers. In each part, we pay specific attention to the mechanisms of action of the natural products, to the models on which they were investigated, and to the potential of different taxa to yield bioactive molecules capable of regulating the Wnt signaling.

Solanum Muricatum Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

Solanum muricatum (SM), also known as pepino, is known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SM extract in promoting osteogenic differentiation and regulating the Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. Ingredients of pepino were extracted and identified. SM extracts were used to treat rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), followed by evaluating alkaline phosphatase activities and mineralization levels. The mRNA levels of osteogenic biomarkers, including OPN and Collagen I, were also evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with SM extracts, the expressions of key proteins in the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways were assessed. DKK-1 and noggin, which are Wnt and BMP inhibitors, respectively, were added with SM extracts to investigate the role of Wnt and BMP pathways in the ameliorating effects of SM extract in osteogenesis. Treatment of BMSCs with SM extract promoted osteogenesis. Meanwhile, upregulations in the Wnt and BMP pathways were also observed. However, inhibiting both pathways compromised the effects of SM extract in promoting osteogenic differentiation. SM extract promotes osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs via promoting the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.

Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus Prunella

Prunella is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants in the Labiatae family. There are approximately 15 species worldwide, distributed widely in the temperate regions and tropical mountains of Europe and Asia. In the genus Prunella, P. vulgaris is the most studied, following a several thousand-year history as a traditional antipyretic and antidotal Chinese herb. Furthermore, since ancient times, P. vulgaris has been widely used as a cool tea ingredient and consumed as a vegetable. The genus Prunella contains triterpenoids and their saponins, phenolic acids, sterols and associated glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, volatile oil and saccharides. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that Prunella possess antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, antihypertensive and hypoglycemic functions. The active components related to these functions are mainly triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and polysaccharides. This review mainly summarizes recent advances in traditional usage, chemical components and pharmacological functions.

Phosphorylated Peptides from Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Prevent Estrogen Deficiency Induced Osteoporosis by Inhibiting Bone Resorption in Ovariectomized Rats

In the current study, we investigated the improvement of phosphorylated peptides from Antarctic krill Euphausia superba (PP-AKP) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. PP-AKP was supplemented to ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. The results showed that PP-AKP treatment remarkably prevented the reduction of bone mass and improved cancellous bone structure and biochemical properties. PP-AKP also significantly decreased serum contents of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), cathepsin K (Cath-k), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (CTX-1), Ca, and P. Mechanism investigation revealed that PP-AKP significantly increased the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) ratio in mRNA expression, protein expression, and serum content. Further research suggested that NF-κB signaling pathways were inhibited by suppressing the mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), diminishing the mRNA expression and phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), three key transcription factors in NF-κB pathways. These results suggest that PP-AKP can improve osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption via suppressing the activation of osteoclastogenesis related NF-κB pathways.