Effect of Quercetin 3-O-β-D-Galactopyranoside on the Adipogenic and Osteoblastogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Exploring the osteogenic potential of chitosan-quercetin bio-conjugate: In vitro and in vivo investigations in osteoporosis models

Anti-osteoporotic agents are clinically employed to improve bone health and prevent osteoporotic fractures. In the current study, we investigated the potential of chitosan-quercetin bio-conjugate as an anti-osteoporotic agent. The conjugate was prepared and characterized by FTIR and found notable interactions between chitosan and quercetin. Treating mouse MSCs with the bioconjugate in osteogenic conditions for a week led to elevated expression of differentiation markers Runx2, ALP, and Col-I, as determined by real-time PCR analysis. Evaluation at the cellular level using alizarin red staining demonstrated enhanced calcium deposition in MSCs following treatment with the bioconjugate. Likewise, ELISA analysis showed significantly elevated levels of secretory osteocalcin and osteonectin in groups treated with the conjugate. To broaden our comprehension, we utilized a zebrafish-based in vivo model of dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis to investigate bone regeneration. Toxicity profiling with zebrafish larvae confirmed the bio-conjugate's compatibility at a concentration of 25 μg/ml, underscoring the significance of finding the right dosage. Furthermore, in zebrafish models of osteoporosis, the bio-conjugate demonstrated significant potential for bone regeneration, as indicated by improved bone calcification, callus formation, and overall bone healing in a tail fin fracture model. Additionally, the study revealed that the bio-conjugate inhibited osteoclastic activity, leading to reduced TRAP activity and hydroxyproline release, suggesting its effectiveness in mitigating bone resorption. In conclusion, our research provides compelling evidence for the osteogenic capabilities of the chitosan-quercetin bio-conjugate, highlighting its promising applications in regenerative medicine and the treatment of conditions like osteoporosis.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, and Pro-Osteogenic Activities of Polyphenols for the Treatment of Two Different Chronic Diseases: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoporosis

Polyphenols are natural bioactives occurring in medicinal and aromatic plants and food and beverages of plant origin. Compared with conventional therapies, plant-derived phytochemicals are more affordable and accessible and have no toxic side effects. Thus, pharmaceutical research is increasingly inclined to discover and study new and innovative natural molecules for the treatment of several chronic human diseases, like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis. These pathological conditions are characterized by a chronic inflammatory state and persistent oxidative stress, which are interconnected and lead to the development and worsening of these two health disorders. Oral nano delivery strategies have been used to improve the bioavailability of polyphenols and to allow these natural molecules to exert their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and pro-osteogenic biological activities in in vivo experimental models and in patients. Polyphenols are commonly used in the formulations of nutraceuticals, which can counteract the detrimental effects of T2DM and osteoporosis pathologies. This review describes the polyphenols that can exert protective effects against T2DM and osteoporosis through the modulation of specific molecular markers and pathways. These bioactives could be used as adjuvants, in combination with synthetic drugs, in the future to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of T2DM and osteoporosis.

Identification of key pathways and mRNAs in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome treatment with quercetin through bioinformatics analysis of mRNA-sequence data

BACKGROUND

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition with painful bladder. At present, the pathogenesis of IC/BPS is still unknown. Quercetin (QCT) is a kind of natural flavonoid with wide sources and multiple biological activities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of QCT on mRNA expression and related regulatory signal pathways in IC model rats.

METHODS

LL-37 was used to induce the IC/BPS model rats. 20 mg/kg QCT was injected intraperitoneally into IC/BPS rats. ELISA, HE, Masson and TB staining were used to evaluate the level of inflammation and pathology. The concentration of QCT in rats was detected by HPLC. The mRNA sequencing was used to detect the differentially expressed (DE) mRNA in each group. The over-expression experiment of Lpl was carried out in IC/BPS model rats.

RESULTS

QCT treatment significantly decreased the level of MPO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α induced by LL-37 in rats, and alleviated bladder injury and mast cell degranulation. There were significant differences in mRNA sequencing data between groups, and the hub gene Lpl were screened by Cytohubba. The expression of Lpl was downregulated in IC/BPS rats. QCT intervention promoted Lpl expression. Overexpression of Lpl reduced the bladder injury induced by LL-37, increased GAG level and decreased the expression of MPO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we provided the DE mRNA in IC/BPS rats treated with QCT, the signaling pathways for DE enrichment, screened out the hub genes, and revealed that Lpl overexpression alleviated IC/BPS model rats.

Pretreated MSCs with IronQ Transplantation Attenuate Microglia Neuroinflammation via the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a devastating form of stroke, is characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Neuroinflammation is a common occurrence following ICH. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have exhibited potential in treating brain diseases due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs is limited by the intense inflammatory response at the transplantation site in ICH. Hence, enhancing the function of transplanted MSCs holds considerable promise as a therapeutic strategy for ICH. Notably, the iron-quercetin complex (IronQ), a metal-quercetin complex synthesized through coordination chemistry, has garnered significant attention for its biomedical applications. In our previous studies, we have observed that IronQ exerts stimulatory effects on cell growth, notably enhancing the survival and viability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and MSCs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pretreated MSCs with IronQ on neuroinflammation and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The ICH mice were induced by injecting the collagenase I solution into the right brain caudate nucleus. After 24 hours, the ICH mice were randomly divided into four subgroups, the model group (Model), quercetin group (Quercetin), MSCs group (MSCs), and pretreated MSCs with IronQ group (MSCs+IronQ). Neurological deficits were re-evaluated on day 3, and brain samples were collected for further analysis. TUNEL staining was performed to assess cell DNA damage, and the protein expression levels of inflammatory factors and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway were investigated and analyzed.

Results

Pretreated MSCs with IronQ effectively mitigate neurological deficits and reduce neuronal inflammation by modulating the microglial polarization. Moreover, the pretreated MSCs with IronQ suppress the protein expression levels of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that pretreated MSCs with IronQ demonstrate a synergistic effect in alleviating neuroinflammation, thereby improving neurological function, which is achieved through the inhibition of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Plant molecules reinforce bone repair: Novel insights into phenol-modified bone tissue engineering scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects

Bone defects have become a major cause of disability and death. To overcome the limitations of natural bone implants, including donor shortages and immune rejection risks, bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds have emerged as a promising therapy for bone defects. Despite possessing good biocompatibility, these metal, ceramic and polymer-based scaffolds are still challenged by the harsh conditions in bone defect sites. ROS accumulation, bacterial infection, excessive inflammation, compromised blood supply deficiency and tumor recurrence negatively impact bone tissue cells (BTCs) and hinder the osteointegration of BTE scaffolds. Phenolic compounds, derived from plants and fruits, have gained growing application in treating inflammatory, infectious and aging-related diseases due to their antioxidant ability conferred by phenolic hydroxyl groups. The prevalent interactions between phenols and functional groups also facilitate their utilization in fabricating scaffolds. Consequently, phenols are increasingly incorporated into BTE scaffolds to boost therapeutic efficacy in bone defect. This review demonstrated the effects of phenols on BTCs and bone defect microenvironment, summarized the intrinsic mechanisms, presented the advances in phenol-modified BTE scaffolds and analyzed their potential risks in practical applications. Overall, phenol-modified BTE scaffolds hold great potential for repairing bone defects, offering novel patterns for BTE scaffold construction and advancing traumatological medicine.

Pharmacological and mechanistic aspects of quercetin in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone disease associated with increasing age. Currently, the most common medications used to treat OP are anabolic agents, anti-resorptive agents, and medications with other mechanisms of action. However, many of these medications have unfavorable adverse effects or are not intended for long-term use, potentially exerting a severe negative impact on a patient's life and career and placing a heavy burden on families and society. There is an urgent need to find new drugs that can replace these and have fewer adverse effects. Quercetin (Que) is a common flavonol in nature. Numerous studies have examined the therapeutic applications of Que. However, a comprehensive review of the anti-osteoporotic effects of Que has not yet been conducted. This review aimed to describe the recent studies on the anti-osteoporotic effects of Que, including its biological, pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties. The outcomes demonstrated that Que could enhance OP by increasing osteoblast differentiation and activity and reducing osteoclast differentiation and activity via the pathways of Wnt/β-catenin, BMP/SMAD/RUNX2, OPG/RANKL/RANK, ERK/JNK, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and transcription factors. Thus, Que is a promising novel drug for the treatment of OP.

Cornus officinalis: a potential herb for treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic skeletal disorder characterized by a decline in bone mass, bone mineral density, and deterioration of bone microstructure. It is prevalent among the elderly, particularly postmenopausal women, and poses a substantial burden to patients and society due to the high incidence of fragility fractures. Kidney-tonifying Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been utilized for OP prevention and treatment. In contrast to conventional approaches such as hormone replacement therapy, TCM offers distinct advantages such as minimal side effects, low toxicity, excellent tolerability, and suitability for long-term administration. Extensive experimental evidence supports the efficacy of kidney-tonifying TCM, exemplified by formulations based on the renowned herb Cornus officinalis and its bioactive constituents, including morroniside, sweroside, flavonol kaempferol, Cornuside I, in OP treatment. In this review, we provide a comprehensive elucidation of the underlying pathological principles governing OP, with particular emphasis on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the homeostasis of osteogenic and osteoclastic, and the regulation of vascular and immune systems, all of which critically influence bone homeostasis. Furthermore, the therapeutic mechanisms of Cornus officinalis-based TCM formulations and Cornus officinalis-derived active constituents are discussed. In conclusion, this review aims to enhance understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms responsible for the anti-OP effects of kidney-tonifying TCM, specifically focusing on Cornus officinalis, and seeks to explore more efficacious and safer treatment strategies for OP.

Quercetin 3-O-Galactoside Isolated from Limonium tetragonum Inhibits Melanogenesis by Regulating PKA/MITF Signaling and ERK Activation

Quercetin 3-O-galactoside (Q3G) is a common dietary flavanol that has been shown to possess several bioactivities, including anti-melanogenesis. However, how Q3G exerts its anti-melanogenic effect has not been studied. The current study, therefore aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenesis potential of Q3G and elucidate the underlying action mechanism in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced hyperpigmentation model of B16F10 murine melanoma cells. Results showed that α-MSH stimulation significantly increased tyrosinase (TYR) and melanin production, which were significantly downregulated by Q3G treatment. The treatment with Q3G suppressed the transcriptional and protein expressions of melanogenesis-related enzymes TYR, tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2, along with the melanogenic transcription factor microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in B16F10 cells. It was shown that Q3G downregulated MITF expression and suppressed its transcriptional activity by inhibiting the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated activation of CREB and GSK3β. In addition, MAPK-regulated MITF activation signaling was also involved in the inhibition of melanin production by Q3G. The results suggest that the anti-melanogenic properties of Q3G rationalize further studies in vivo to confirm its action mechanism and consequent utilization as a cosmetic ingredient against hyperpigmentation.

Jiawei Yanghe Decoction Regulates Bone-Lipid Balance through the BMP-SMAD Signaling Pathway to Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background

The Jiawei Yanghe decoction (JWYHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of osteoporosis, but its therapeutic mechanism has not been fully elucidated, and the therapeutic target of the intervention disease needs to be further verified. The dysfunction of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is considered to be an important pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). The purpose of this study was to explore how JWYHD regulates BMSC differentiation through the BMP-SMAD signal pathway.

Methods

In the in vivo study, we used an ovariectomized PMOP rat (n = 36, 2-month-old, 200 ± 20 g) model and femur micro-CT analysis to study the effect of JWYHD on bone loss in rats. By immunofluorescence, the translocation expression of BMP2, a key protein in the pathway, was detected. Serum bone metabolism was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining (ALPS), osteogenesis and matrix mineralization were detected by alizarin red staining (ARS), the adipogenic ability of BMSCs was detected by oil red staining (ORS), and CFU is used to detect the ability of cells to form colonies. The expression of related proteins was detected by western blotting.

Results

In vivo and in vitro, the OP phenotypes of SD rats induced by ovariectomy (OVX) included impaired bone mineral density and microstructure, abnormal bone metabolism, and impaired MSC differentiation potential. JWYHD treatment reversed this trend and restored the differentiation potential of MSCs. JWYHD medicated serum and direct intervention of drugs activated the BMP-SMAD signaling pathway, promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and inhibited their adipogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

Our data identified that JWYHD is an effective alternative drug for the treatment of PMOP that functions to stimulate the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts in the BMP-SMAD signaling-dependent mechanism.

The Role of Flavonoids in the Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in developing bone tissue engineered constructs due to their osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential. MSC-based tissue engineered constructs are generally considered a safe procedure, however, the long-term results obtained up to now are far from satisfactory. The main causes of these therapeutic limitations are inefficient homing, engraftment, and directional differentiation. Flavonoids are a secondary metabolite, widely existed in nature and have many biological activities. For a long time, researchers have confirmed the anti-osteoporosis effect of flavonoids through in vitro cell experiments, animal studies. In recent years the regulatory effects of flavonoids on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation have been received increasingly attention. Recent studies revealed flavonoids possess the ability to modulate self-renewal and differentiation potential of MSCs. In order to facilitate further research on MSCs osteogenic differentiation of flavonoids, we surveyed the literature published on the use of flavonoids in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, and summarized their pharmacological activities as well as the underlying mechanisms, aimed to explore their promising therapeutic application in bone disorders and bone tissue engineered constructs.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Elucidate the Pharmacological Mechanism of the OSTEOWONDER Capsule for Treating Osteoporosis

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a serious and common bone metabolic disease with bone mass loss and bone microarchitectural deterioration. The OSTEOWONDER capsule is clinically used to treat OP. However, the potential regulatory mechanism of the OSTEOWONDER capsule in treatment of OP remains largely unknown.

Methods: The bioactive compounds of herbs and their targets were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. The speculative targets of OP were screened out based on GeneCards, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The gene modules and hub genes of OP were identified using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Then, an herb-compound-target network was constructed based on the above analyses. The biological function of targets was subsequently investigated, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub targets of OP. Finally, molecular docking was performed to explore the interaction between compounds and targets.

Results: A total of 148 compounds of eight herbs and the corresponding 273 targets were identified based on the TCMSP database. A total of 4,929 targets of OP were obtained based on GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM databases. In addition, six gene modules and 4,235 hub genes of OP were screened out based on WGCNA. Generally, an herb-compound-target network, including eight herbs, 84 compounds, and 58 targets, was constructed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of the OSTEOWONDER capsule for OP. The biofunction analysis indicated 58 targets mainly associated with the bone metabolism, stimulation response, and immune response. EGFR, HIF1A, MAPK8, IL6, and PPARG were identified as the hub therapeutic targets in OP. Moreover, the interaction between EGFR, HIF1A, MAPK8, IL6, PPARG, and the corresponding compounds (quercetin and nobiletin) was analyzed using molecular docking.

Conclusion: Our finding discovered the possible therapeutic mechanisms of the OSTEOWONDER capsule and supplied the potential therapeutic targets for OP.

Re-appraising the role of flavonols, flavones and flavonones on osteoblasts and osteoclasts- A review on its molecular mode of action

Bone disorders have become a global concern illustrated with decreased bone mineral density and disruption in microarchitecture of natural bone tissue organization. Natural compounds that promote bone health by augmenting osteoblast functions and suppressing osteoclast functions has gained much attention and offer greater therapeutic value compared to conventional therapies. Amongst several plant-based molecules, flavonoids act as a major combatant in promoting bone health through their multi-faceted biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties. They protect bone loss by regulating the signalling cascades involved in osteoblast and osteoclast functions. Flavonoids augment osteoblastogenesis and inhibits osteoclastogenesis through their modulation of various signalling pathways. This review discusses the role of various flavonoids and their molecular mechanisms involved in maintaining bone health by regulating osteoblast and osteoclast functions.

Purple sweet potato leaf extracts suppress adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf extract (PSPLE) is known to exhibit various biological effects. However, the anti-adipogenic effects of PSPLE on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PSPLE on the adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs. PSPLE treatment significantly reduced lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels during adipogenic differentiation. PSPLE suppressed the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα, which are the master transcription factors orchestrating adipogenesis; moreover, it inhibited the expression of adiponectin, adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which are downstream target genes involved in adipogenic differentiation. Furthermore, PSPLE treatment suppressed glucose transporter 4 expression and intracellular glucose uptake and significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation induced factor-stimulated Akt signaling activation. These results indicate that PSPLE suppresses the differentiation of undifferentiated MSCs into adipocyte lineages and inhibits the terminal differentiation from preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The increase in the prevalence of obesity worldwide is a problem today. Obesity is induced by an excessive accumulation of adipocytes and causes obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Natural compounds derived from plants and fruits have a variety of biological activities and are expected to exert therapeutic effects against various diseases. This study shows that purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf extract (PSPLE) suppresses adipogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, PSPLE may be a novel functional food for controlling obesity.

Myricetin 3-O-β-D-Galactopyranoside Exhibits Potential Anti-Osteoporotic Properties in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells via Stimulation of Osteoblastogenesis and Suppression of Adipogenesis

Natural bioactive substances are promising lead compounds with beneficial effects on various health problems including osteoporosis. In this context, the goal of this study was to investigate the effect of myricetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (M3G), a glycoside of a known bioactive phytochemical myricetin, on bone formation via osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs). The hBM-MSCs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes in the presence or absence of M3G and the differentiation markers were analyzed. Osteoblastogenesis-induced cells treated with M3G exhibited stimulated differentiation markers: cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and extracellular mineralization. In terms of intracellular signaling behind the stimulatory effect of M3G, the expression of RUNX2 and osteopontin transcription factors were upregulated. It has been shown that M3G treatment increased the activation of Wnt and BMP as a suggested mechanism of action for its effect. On the other hand, M3G treatment during adipogenesis-inducement of hBM-MSCs hindered the adipogenic differentiation shown as decreased lipid accumulation and expression of PPARγ, SREBP1c, and C/EBPα, adipogenic transcription factors. In conclusion, M3G treatment stimulated osteoblast differentiation and inhibited adipocyte differentiation in induced hBM-MSCs. Osteoblast formation was stimulated via Wnt/BMP and adipogenesis was inhibited via the PPARγ pathway. This study provided necessary data for further studies to utilize the therapeutic potential of M3G against osteoporosis via regulation of bone marrow stromal cell differentiation.

Dynamic Changes of the Bone Marrow Niche: Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Progeny During Aging and Leukemia

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a heterogenous cell population found in a wide range of tissues in the body, known for their nutrient-producing and immunomodulatory functions. In the bone marrow (BM), these MSCs are critical for the regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) that are responsible for daily blood production and functional immunity throughout an entire organism's lifespan. Alongside other stromal cells, MSCs form a specialized microenvironment BM tissue called "niche" that tightly controls HSC self-renewal and differentiation. In addition, MSCs are crucial players in maintaining bone integrity and supply of hormonal nutrients due to their capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes which also contribute to cellular composition of the BM niche. However, MSCs are known to encompass a large heterogenous cell population that remains elusive and poorly defined. In this review, we focus on deciphering the BM-MSC biology through recent advances in single-cell identification of hierarchical subsets with distinct functionalities and transcriptional profiles. We also discuss the contribution of MSCs and their osteo-adipo progeny in modulating the complex direct cell-to-cell or indirect soluble factors-mediated interactions of the BM HSC niche during homeostasis, aging and myeloid malignancies. Lastly, we examine the therapeutic potential of MSCs for rejuvenation and anti-tumor remedy in clinical settings.

Adipogenesis and therapeutic potentials of antiobesogenic phytochemicals: Insights from preclinical studies

Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems in both developed and developing countries in recent years. While lifestyle and diet modifications are the most important management strategies of obesity, these may be insufficient to ensure long-term weight reduction in certain individuals and alternative strategies including pharmacotherapy need to be considered. However, drugs option remains limited due to low efficacy and adverse effects associated with their use. Hence, identification of safe and effective alternative therapeutic agents remains warranted to combat obesity. In recent years, bioactive phytochemicals are considered as valuable sources for the discovery of new pharmacological agents for the treatment of obesity. Adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia increases with obesity and undergo molecular and cellular alterations that can affect systemic metabolism giving rise to metabolic syndrome and comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Many phytochemicals have been reported to target adipocytes by inhibiting adipogenesis, inducing lipolysis, suppressing the differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes, reducing energy intake, and boosting energy expenditure mainly in vitro and in animal studies. Nevertheless, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals. This review outlines common pathways involved in adipogenesis and phytochemicals targeting effector molecules of these pathways, the challenges faced and the way forward for the development of phytochemicals as antiobesity agents.

Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. Fruits Exert Antiosteoporotic Properties in Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells via Regulation of Adipocyte and Osteoblast Differentiation

Ligustrum japonicum fruits have been used as a part of traditional medicinal practices and supplements in Korea and Japan. It has been reported to possess various bioactivities, but its antiosteoporotic potential and active substances have not been reported yet. The present study followed an ALP activity and lipid accumulation-guided screening of L. japonicum fruits for antiosteoporotic compounds and isolated salidroside as an active compound. Antiosteoporotic effects of L. japonicum fruits and salidroside were examined in mesenchymal stromal cells by their ability to enhance osteoblast formation by increased ALP activity and osteogenic marker gene expression while suppressing adipogenesis by inhibition of lipid accumulation and adipocyte marker gene expressions. Results showed that salidroside was able to enhance osteoblast differentiation via Wnt/BMP signaling pathway overactivation and suppress the PPARγ-mediated adipocyte differentiation, both through the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, L. japonicum fruits were suggested to possess antiosteoporotic activities and to be a source of antiosteoporotic substances such as salidroside.