Atractylodes japonica root extract protects osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells against hydrogen peroxide‐induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation

Abstract

The rhizome of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. has been used traditionally for the treatment of water retention in the body and is known to have estrogen-like activity. In the present study, the protective effects of A. japonica root extract on the response of osteoblasts to oxidative stress were evaluated. Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated with hydrogen peroxide and/or A. japonica root extract, and markers of osteoblast function and oxidative damage were examined. A. japonica root extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased cell survival, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen and calcium deposition and decreased the production of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL), protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. These results demonstrate that A. japonica root can protect the cells from oxidative stress-induced toxicity and may have positive effects on skeletal structure.