Amelioration of postmenopausal osteoporosis and anticancer properties of an antioxidant enriched fraction from Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders

Abstract

In the current study, we have explored an antioxidant enriched fraction (AEF) from whole plant of H. spinosa for management of menopausal complications like osteoporosis and cancer. The AEF was identified by determining the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant potential (DPPH method and total antioxidant capacity assay). Ethyl acetate fraction of the crude ethanol extract comprised of the highest antioxidant potential and considered as AEF. HPTLC analysis of AEF confirmed the presence of apigenin and luteolin, which were further investigated for their estrogen receptors modulator effect by docking study. GC/MS analysis also demonstrated the presence of β-sitosterol, and lupeol in AEF. Antiosteoporotic activity was studied by ovariectomized animal model and in vitro anticancer potential by MTT assay. AEF significantly improved biomechanical parameters, body and uterine weight, phosphorous and calcium level in serum and urine. AEF also restored bone turnover markers like alkaline phosphatase, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and hydroxyproline along with serum cholesterol and triglycerides (biochemical parameters). Histopathology showed restoration of normal bone architecture after AEF and raloxifene treatment. Docking study revealed the high affinity of apigenin and luteolin towards both estrogen receptors (α and β). AEF exerted dose dependent anticancer potential against breast and ovarian cancer cell lines with lowest IC50 (43 μg/ml) against SKOV-3 cell line. Our findings conclude that AEF from H. spinosa could be used as an alternative and economical botanical drug for treatment of menopausal osteoporosis and cancer.