Biological activities of Boesenbergia rotunda parts and extracting solvents in promoting osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts

Abstract

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) is a medicinal plant having potential for medicinal and food supplements development, because of its biological and pharmacological properties. However, the osteogenic function of the extract needs more research. This study investigated the effect of solvent extraction and different parts of B. rotunda on biological activities and the promotion of osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Pinostrobin content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were measured using various in vitro assays. Cell viability, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells were determined using the MTT assay, alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity, and alizarin red S staining, respectively. The results showed that water extraction led to a higher percentage yield than methanolic, ethanolic, or acetone extractions. The maximum pinostrobin, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were observed in the ethanolic extract followed by methanolic, acetone, and water extracts. The highest amounts of bioactive compounds were observed in the root and the whole plant compared to the rhizome. The ethanolic extract of B. rotunda especially from the root and whole plant was not only non-cytotoxic to MC3T3-E1 cells but also increased cell viability at 10–50 μg/mL, while increasing ALP activity at 25–50 μg/mL and induced mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells at 10–50 μg/mL. This study showed that B. rotunda extract is a potential source of bioactive compounds that promote osteoblastic cell viability and differentiation, suggesting its possible use in a healthy diet against osteoporosis.