Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats

This study aims to show the estrogen-like effect of Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS), a Chinese herbal compound, in ovariectomized mice. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: a sham-operated group, a model group (OVX), a progynova group, and BZBS groups (1, 2, and 4 d/kg/d). An ovariectomy was performed on all rats except those in the sham-operated group. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection were performed after 4 months of BZBS treatment. As a result, compared with the OVX group, rats treated with BZBS showed an increased number and area of trabecular bone and bone marrow cells, and a decreased number of adipose cells. The bone volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness of the right tibia in the medication groups increased and the trabecular space decreased. The 17 beta-estradiol and serum calcium levels in the medication groups were elevated, but the levels of serum phosphorus, sclerostin, beta-CTX, and TRACP-5b were decreased. In the medication groups, the RANKL and sclerostin levels were decreased, while the osteoprotegerin (OPG) level was increased. In conclusion, this protocol systematically evaluated the therapeutic effects and potential molecular mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in ovariectomized rats with a variety of techniques.

Automated summary

This study aimed to demonstrate the estrogen-like effect of the Chinese herbal compound Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) in ovariectomized mice. Through various techniques, the study found that rats treated with BZBS showed an increase in trabecular bone and bone marrow cells, a decrease in adipose cells, and improvements in bone volume and thickness. Furthermore, the levels of estrogen and serum calcium increased, while the levels of serum phosphorus, sclerostin, beta-CTX, and TRACP-5b decreased. The RANKL and sclerostin levels decreased, while the osteoprotegerin (OPG) level increased.