Effects of Watercress Containing Rutin and Rutin Alone on the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Osteoblast-like MG-63 Cells

Rutin promotes osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by increasing ECM deposition and inhibiting p53 expression

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an important source of cells for bone regeneration. Although the utilization of MSCs along with growth factors and scaffolds is a beneficial clinical approach for bone tissue engineering, there is need for improvement on the effectiveness of MSC osteogenesis and differentiation. Rutin is a natural flavonoid and a major component for cell proliferation and bone development. However, studies on the mechanism through which rutin regulates osteogenesis and MSC differentiation are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of rutin on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. MSCs were extracted from umbilical cords and treated with rutin, followed by the examination of osteogenesis-related markers. Rutin treatment promoted the differentiation of MSCs towards the osteogenic lineage rather than the adipogenic lineage and increased the expression of osteogenic markers. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis indicated that rutin regulated p53, a key gene in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Additionally, cellular experiments showed that rutin-induced decrease in p53 expression increased the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) by promoting p65 phosphorylation and caspase-3 cleavage. Conclusively, this study demonstrates the importance of rutin in osteogenesis and indicates that rutin possesses potential pharmaceutical application for bone regeneration and bone tissue engineering.

Understanding the mechanistic potential of plant based phytochemicals in management of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis, an epidemic disorder is defined as a loss in bone mineral density and a greater possibility of fractures in older women. It is a multifactorial disease under the control of various genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Insufficiency of estrogen hormone, leads to postmenopausal osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), despite being the most effective treatment, it is associated with the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disorders. This review seeks to compile the most recent information on medicinal plants and natural compounds used to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, the origin, chemical constituents and the molecular mechanisms responsible for this therapeutic and preventive effect are also discussed. Literature research was conducted using PubMed, Science direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Different plant extracts and pure compounds exerts their antiosteoporotic activity by inhibition of RANKL and upregulation of OPG. RANKL signaling regulates osteoclast formation, characterized by increased bone turnover and osteoprotegrin is a decoy receptor for RANKL thereby preventing bone loss from excessive resorption. In addition, this review also includes the chemical structure of bioactive compounds acting on NFκB, TNF α, RUNX2. In conclusion, we propose that postmenopausal osteoporosis could be prevented or treated with herbal products.

The effect of Rutin hydrate on Glucocorticoids induced osteoporosis in mandibular alveolar bone in Albino rats (Radiological, histological and histochemical study)

Background

Glucocorticoids are used in different conditions such as autoimmune disorders and organ transplantation and their administration is the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis. Rutin is a flavonoid found in many plants. Flavonoids are natural products with various therapeutic and biological effects.

Objective

Is to investigate the effect of Rutin Hydrate as a form of Rutin on glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in mandibular alveolar bone radiologically, histologically and histochemically.

Methods

Twenty-one adult male Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group I (control), group II (osteoporotic) and group III (Rutin Hydrate treated). In both group II and III rats received 21 mg/kg of methylprednisolone daily for four weeks. Then group III received 50 mg/kg of rutin hydrate in distilled water daily for another four weeks. At the end of the experiment, mandibles were dissected for radiographic assessment, then processed for histological and histochemical examination and statistical analysis.

Results

Radiologically, administration of Rutin Hydrate was able to enhance bone density than osteoporotic group. Histological examination revealed preserved cortical bone thickness that had been statistically proved. Apparently normal sized marrow cavities, some plump osteoblasts and normal osteocytes were seen in group III. Histochemical examination showed statistical increase in the area percentage of newly formed collagen in group III than group II.

Conclusions

Rutin Hydrate was able to modify the radiological and histological picture of osteoporotic alveolar bone. This was achieved by the ability of Rutin Hydrate to increase bone density, preserve cortical plates thickness and enhance new collagen formation that was proved histochemically.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Bone Anabolic Effects of Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson

Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson [Asteraceae] (B. acmella) is an important medicinal plant native to Brazil, and it is widely known as a toothache plant. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities of B. acmella and few studies on the stimulatory effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion from bone cells; however, there is no study on its antioxidant and anabolic activity on bone cells. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. acmella using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LCTOFMS) along with the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum colorimetric methods. The extracts of B. acmella leaves were used to scavenge synthetic-free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The bone anabolic effects of B. acmella extracts on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoium bromide (MTT) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, Sirius-red and ALP at 7 and 14 days, and Alizarin Red S at 14 and 21 days. Comparatively, ethanol extract of B. acmella (BaE) contributed higher antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ of 476.71 µg/ml and 56.01 ± 6.46 mg L-ascorbic acid/g against DPPH and FRAP, respectively). Anabolic activities in bone proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were also higher in B. acmella of ethanol (BaE) than aqueous (BaA) extracts. Positive correlations were observed between phenolic content (TPC and TFC) to antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP) and anabolic activities. Conversely, negative correlations were present between phenolic content to antioxidant (DPPH) activity. These potential antioxidant and bone anabolic activities in BaE might be due to the phytochemicals confirmed through GCMS and LCTOFMS, revealed that terpenoids of α-cubebene, cryophyllene, cryophyllene oxide, phytol and flavonoids of pinostrobin and apigenin were the compounds contributing to both antioxidant and anabolic effects in BaE. Thus, B. acmella may be a valuable antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis agent. Further study is needed to isolate, characterize and elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and bone anabolic effects.

Rutin-Zn(II) complex promotes bone formation - A concise assessment in human dental pulp stem cells and zebrafish

We have assessed the molecular role of Rutin and rutin-Zn(II) complex on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in human dental pulp cells and zebrafish model. The biocompatibility of the rutin-Zn(II) complex was determined using MTT and chick embryotoxicity assays. Alizarin red staining and ALP measurements were performed to study the osteogenic role of Rutin and rutin-Zn(II) complex at the cellular level in hDPSCs. At molecular level, following rutin and rutin-Zn(II) exposure, the mRNA expression profile of osteoblast markers such Runx2, type 1 col, OC, and ON were investigated. In addition to this, the expression of negative regulators of osteoblast development such Smad7, Smurf1, and HDAC7 waere studied by Real time RT-PCR analysis. The osteogenic role of prepared complex under in vivo was studied by an in-house zebrafish scale model followed by osteoblast differentiation markers expression profiling and Ca:P level measurement by ICP-MS. Rutin and the rutin-Zn(II) complex were found to be non-toxic till 10 μM and increased the expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes. It also enhanced calcium deposition in both in vitro and in vivo models. Osteogenic property of rutin-Zn(II) in hDPSCs was found be mediated by Smad7, Smurf1, and HDAC7 and enhancing Runx2 expression. Our study warrants the possible use of rutin-Zn(II) as naïve agent or in combination with other bone scaffolding systems/materials for bone tissue engineering applications.

Nobiletin promotes osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblastic cell line (MG-63) through activating the BMP-2/RUNX-2 signaling pathway

Nobiletin (NOB) is polymethoxy flavonoids, which plentifully there in Citrus depressa and they demonstrate numerous pharmacological effects. NOB has an anti-proliferative effect, attenuates ovalbumin-treated eosinophilic airway inflammation and Type II collagen treated arthritis. NOB noticeably inhibits bone resorption and renovates bone loss in mice model, but role of NOB in bone metabolism is unclear. Human bone is a important organ that sustains its homeostasis among bone resorpting osteoclasts and bone developing osteoblasts. The balances of among these two kind of cell outcomes are implicated in bone remodeling. The current study designed to explore possessions of NOB on differentiation and proliferation of MG-63 cells and contribution of morphogenetic protein signaling. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT, mineralization analysis by alizarin red staining and morphogenetic signaling protein by RT-PCR. No stimulus outcome of NOB on cell proliferation was found at days of 1, 3 and 7. Accumulation of calcium was augmented after that treatment of NOB. The mRNA expression of BMP-2, COL-I, ALP, OCN, RUNX2 and COL1A1 augmented markedly with NOB supplement. Hence, NOB can stimulate osteogenic differentiation of MG-63, almost certainly by promoting RUNX2 and BMP-2 signaling and this result might provide to its action on stimulation of osteoblast development, differentiation and augments of bone mass.

Rutin nanosuspension for potential management of osteoporosis: effect of particle size reduction on oral bioavailability, in vitro and in vivo activity

Clinical significance of Rutin (RUT) is limited by poor dissolution rate and low oral bioavailability. The study was designed to improve the physicochemical and therapeutic potential of the drug by formulating nanosuspension (NS) for osteoporosis. Rutin nanosuspension (RUT-NS) was prepared after screening a range of stabilizers and their combinations at a different concentration by antisolvent precipitation technique. Effect of precipitation on crystallinity (differential scanning calorimetry DSC, X-ray diffraction studies XRD), morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) and chemical interaction (attenuated total reflectance fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy ATR-FTIR) were studied through biophysical techniques. An optimized nanosuspension exhibited a minimum particle size of 122.85 ± 5.02 nm with higher dissolution of RUT-NS (87. 63 ± 2.29%) as compared to pure drug (39.77 ± 2.8 6%). The enhanced intestine absorption and apparent permeability were achieved due to the improved particle size, surface area and dissolution. RUT-NS displayed greater (3 folds) AUC_0-24 h than pure drug. In vitro assays with RUT-NS depicted an increased cell proliferation, antioxidant (ROS) activity and osteocalcin production in MG-63 osteoblast cells. The augmented biochemical in vivo biomarkers and bone quality proved the protective effect of RUT-NS. The results supported RUT-NS as a potential therapy for maintaining bone health.

Saussureae Involucratae Herba (Snow Lotus): Review of Chemical Compositions and Pharmacological Properties

Saussureae Involucratae Herba is the dried ground part of Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip, which is also named as “Snow lotus” and being used in traditional Uyghur and/or Chinese medicine. This rare herb can be found at 4,000 m elevation in western part of Tianshan Mountain, Xinjiang China. According to China Pharmacopoeia (2015), the major pharmaceutical values of “Snow lotus” (Xuě liánhuā in Chinese) are alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, accelerating blood circulation and mitigating other “cold” syndromes. Traditionally, the clinical application of “Snow lotus” includes the treatments in inflammation-associated disorder, blood circulation acceleration and heat and dampness elimination. Recent studies suggested that “Snow lotus” possessed therapeutic effects associating with anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, adipogenesis suppression and neuroprotection activities, which were proposed to be related with its bioactive constitutes, i.e. acacetin, hispidulin, and rutin. In the present review, we aim to summarize pharmacological effects and underlying cell signaling pathways of “Snow lotus” in treating various medical problems.

Rutin promotes the formation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cell sheets in vitro

Cell sheet technology is a novel tissue engineering technology that has been rapidly developed in recent years. As a novel technology, cell sheet technology is expected to become one of the preferred methods for cell transplantation. The present study investigated the biological effects of rutin on the formation of periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) sheets and their resultant osteogenic properties. The results of Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay demonstrated that a concentration of 1×10⁻⁶ mol/l rutin promoted the proliferation of PDLSCs more effectively compared with other designed concentrations. Rutin-modified cell sheets could be induced by complete medium supplemented with 20 µg/ml vitamin C (VC) and 1×10⁻⁶ mol/l rutin. Rutin-modified cell sheets appeared thicker and more compact compared with the VC-induced PDLSC sheets, demonstrating more layers of cells (3 or 4 layers), which secreted a richer extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, the improved cell sheets exhibited varying degrees of increases in the mRNA and protein expression of collagen type I (COL1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN). Combined treatment with VC and rutin promoted the formation of PDLSC sheets and enhanced the osteogenic differentiation potential of the cell sheets. Therefore, rutin-modified cell sheets of PDLSCs are expected to play an important role in the treatment of periodontal tissue regeneration by stem cells.

Bone Health and Natural Products- An Insight

Bone metabolism involves a complex balance between matrix deposition, mineralization, and resorption. Numerous evidences have revealed that dietary components and phytoconstituents can influence these processes, through inhibition of bone resorption, thus exhibiting beneficial effects on the skeleton. Various traditional herbal formulae in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have shown demonstrable benefits in pharmacological models of osteoporosis. The present review discusses normal bone metabolism and disorders caused by bone disruption, with particular reference to osteoporosis and current therapeutic treatment. Furthermore the effects of constituents from natural products on bone tissue are explained, with relevant evidences of efficacy in various experimental models.

Rutin Isolated from Chrozophora tinctoria Enhances Bone Cell Proliferation and Ossification Markers

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease in which the skeleton loses a weighty proportion of its mineralized mass and mechanical pliability. Currently available antiosteoporotic agents suffer adverse effects that include elevated risk of thrombosis and cancer. Phytochemicals may constitute a safer and effective option. In the current work, six flavonoids were obtained from Chrozophora tinctoria and identified as amentoflavone (1), apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), apigenin-7-O-6′′-E-p-coumaroyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), acacetin-7-O-β-d-[α-l-rhamnosyl(1→6)]3′′-E-p-coumaroyl glucopyranoside (4), apigenin-7-O-(6′′-Z-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), and rutin (6). An extensive review of the literature as well as NMR and mass spectral techniques was employed in order to elucidate the compound structures. Proliferation was enhanced in MCF7, MG-63, and SAOS-2 cells after exposure to subcytotoxic levels of the tested flavonoids. Rutin was chosen for subsequent studies in SAOS-2 cells. Rutin was not found to cause any alteration in the index of proliferation of these cells, when examining the cell cycle distribution by DNA flowcytometric analysis. Rutin was, however, found to increase osteocyte and osteoblast-related gene expression and lower the expression of RUNX suppressor and osteoclast genes. When examining the influence of rutin on vitamin D levels and the activity of alkaline phosphatase enzyme, it was found to enhance both, while decreasing acid phosphatase which is a marker of osteoporosis. Thus, rutin enhances proliferation and ossification markers in bone cells.

Morinda citrifolia Leaf Extract Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation Through Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) leaf is an herbal medicine with application in the domestic treatment of a broad range of conditions, including bone fracture and luxation. However, the basic mechanism underlying the stimulation of osteogenic differentiation by Noni leaf extract remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the effect of this extract on osteogenic differentiation and the mechanism by which Noni leaf extract enhances osteogenic differentiation. Aqueous extract of Noni leaves was prepared, and rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside were identified to be two of its major components. C2C12 and human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells were used to study the effect of Noni. Noni did not show cytotoxicity at a concentration range of 0.015%-1.0% (w/v%) and significantly enhanced the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and expression levels of osteoblast differentiation markers, including Runx2, ALP, osterix, and osteocalcin, bone morphogenetic protein 2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin. In addition, Noni enhanced the matrix mineralization of hPDL cells. In the signaling pathways, Noni increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3β and nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of β-catenin, which were attenuated by the addition of Dkk-1, a Wnt inhibitor, or LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor. These results suggest that Noni leaf extract enhances osteogenic differentiation through the PI3K/Akt-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Noni leaf extract might be a novel alternative medicine for bone and periodontal regeneration in patients with periodontal diseases.

Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cysts and Primary Infertility by Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Case Report

Infertility is a medical and psychosocial problem with a high prevalence. There are different treatments for this problem in Iranian traditional medicine. A 28-year-old woman presented with the complaints of 4 emergency operations of the left ovarian cyst during 4 years and infertility. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed an ovarian cyst, adhesion, and endometriosis. Hysteroscopy was unremarkable. After 2 months of letrozole administration, the ovarian cyst ruptured again. Considering the failure of conventional treatments, Iranian traditional medicine products were administered to the patient. After 3 months, the patient conceived and delivered a healthy boy through normal vaginal delivery. These compounds may help with pregnancy as a uterine tonic, vitalizer, and aphrodisiac with brain and cardiac tonic properties.

Traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of osteoporosis: Implication for antiosteoporotic drug discovery

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Osteoporosis is a chronic epidemic which can leads to enhanced bone fragility and consequent an increase in fracture risk. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas have a long history of use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Antiosteoporotic TCM formulas have conspicuous advantage over single drugs. Systematic data mining of the existing antiosteoporotic TCM formulas database can certainly help the drug discovery processes and help the identification of safe candidates with synergistic formulations. In this review, the authors summarize the clinical use and animal experiments of TCM formulas and their mechanism of action, and discuss the potential antiosteoporotic activity and the active constituents of commonly used herbs in TCM formulas for the therapy of osteoporosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature was searched from Medline, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Spring Link, Web of Science, CNKI and VIP database from 1989 to 2015, and also collected from Chinese traditional books and Chinese Pharmacopoeia with key words such as osteoporosis, osteoblast, osteoclast, traditional Chinese medicine formulas to identify studies on the antiosteoporotic effects of TCM formulas, herbs and chemical constituents, and also their possible mechanisms.

RESULTS

Thirty-three TCM formulas were commonly used to treat osteoporosis, and showed significant antiosteoporotic effects in human and animal. The herb medicines and their chemical constituents in TCM formulas were summarized, the pharmacological effects and chemical constituents of commonly used herbs in TCM formulas were described in detail. The action mechanisms of TCM formulas and their chemical constituents were described. Finally, the implication for the discovery of antiosteoporotic leads and combinatory ingredients from TCM formulas were prospectively discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical practice and animal experiments indicate that TCM formulas provide a definite therapeutic effect on osteoporosis. The active constituents in TCM formulas are diverse in chemical structure, and include flavonoids, lignans, saponins and iridoid glycosides. Antiosteoporotic mechanism of TCM formulas and herbs involves multi regulatory pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, BMP/Smad, MAPK pathway and RANKL/OPG system. Phytochemicals from TCM formulas and their compositional herb medicines offer great potential for the development of novel antiosteoporotic drugs. The active ingredients in TCM formulas can be developed in combination as potent drugs, which may exhibit better antiosteoporotic effects compared to the individual compound.

The Pharmacological Potential of Rutin

The contemporary scientific community has presently recognized flavonoids to be a unique class of therapeutic molecules due to their diverse therapeutic properties. Of these, rutin, also known as vitamin P or rutoside, has been explored for a number of pharmacological effects. Tea leaves, apples, and many more possess rutin as one of the active constituents. Today, rutin has been observed for its nutraceutical effect. The present review highlights current information and health-promoting effects of rutin. Along with this, safety pharmacology issues and SAR of the same have also been discussed.

Needle-like ion-doped hydroxyapatite crystals influence osteogenic properties of PCL composite scaffolds

Surface topography and chemistry both play a crucial role on influencing cell response in 3D porous scaffolds in terms of osteogenesis. Inorganic materials with peculiar morphology and chemical functionalities may be proficiently used to improve scaffold properties-in the bulk and along pore surface-promoting in vitro and in vivo osseous tissue in-growth. The present study is aimed at investigating how bone regenerative properties of composite scaffolds made of poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) can be augmented by the peculiar properties of Mg(2+) ion doped hydroxyapatite (dHA) crystals, mainly emphasizing the role of crystal shape on cell activities mediated by microstructural properties. At the first stage, the study of mechanical response by crossing experimental compression tests and theoretical simulation via empirical models, allow recognizing a significant contribution of dHA shape factor on scaffold elastic moduli variation as a function of the relative volume fraction. Secondly, the peculiar needle-like shape of dHA crystals also influences microscopic (i.e. crystallinity, adhesion forces) and macroscopic (i.e. roughness) properties with relevant effects on biological response of the composite scaffold: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses clearly indicate a reduction of crystallization heat-from 66.75 to 43.05 J g(-1)-while atomic force microscopy (AFM) ones show a significant increase of roughness-from (78.15  ±  32.71) to (136.13  ±  63.21) nm-and of pull-off forces-from 33.7% to 48.7%. Accordingly, experimental studies with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells show a more efficient in vitro secretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and collagen I and a more copious in vivo formation of new bone trabeculae, thus suggesting a relevant role of dHA to support the main mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.

Estrogen-like osteoprotective effects of glycine in in vitro and in vivo models of menopause

Recently, the placenta mesotherapy has been widely used to treat menopause. Placenta contains amino acids, peptides, minerals, and estrogen. Here, we investigated the estrogen-like osteoprotective effects of glycine (a main ingredient of placenta) in in vitro and in vivo models of menopause. We assessed the effect of glycine on MG-63 osteoblast cell line, MCF-7 estrogen-dependent cell line, and ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Glycine significantly increased the MG-63 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase were increased by glycine in MG-63 cells. Glycine also increased the BrdU-incorporation and Ki-67 mRNA expression in MCF-7 cells. Glycine induced the up-regulation of estrogen receptor-β mRNA expression and estrogen-response element-luciferase activity in MG-63 and MCF-7 cells. In OVX mice, glycine was administered orally at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks. Glycine resulted in the greatest decrease in weight gain caused by ovariectomy. Meanwhile, vaginal weight reduced by ovariectomy was increased by glycine. Glycine significantly increased the ALP activity in OVX mice. MicroCT-analysis showed that glycine significantly enhanced bone mineral density, trabecular number, and connectivity density in OVX mice. Moreover, glycine significantly increased the serum 17β-estradiol levels reduced by ovariectomy. Glycine has an estrogen-like osteoprotective effect in menopause models. Therefore, we suggest that glycine may be useful for the treatment of menopause.

Effects of Free Anthraquinones Extract from the Rhubarb on Cell Proliferation and Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix in High Glucose Cultured-Mesangial Cells

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage failure of the kidney, but the efficacy of currently available strategies for the prevention of DN remains unsatisfactory. In this study, we investigated the effects of free anthraquinones (FARs) extract, which was extracted from the rhubarb and purified by macroporous resin DM130 with gradient mixtures of ethanol/water as the lelution solvents, in high glucose-cultured glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). The cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay, the levels of TGF-β₁, CTGF, ColIV and FN proteins in the supernatant of MCs were measured by ELISA assays, and the mRNA levels of these four genes were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the increased proliferation of MCs, the mRNA levels and protein expression of TGF-β₁, CTGF, ColIV and FN induced by high glucose were inhibited after the treatment with the FARs extract. This indicated that FARs extract could inhibit cell proliferation and the expression of main extracellular matrix induced by high glucose in MCs. The FARs extract exhibited potential values for prophylaxis and therapy of DN.