Oral Administration of <I>Saldi tierra</I> Containing Various Trace Elements Has Anabolic Effects on Bone Component in the Femoral Tissues of Rats

Abstract

The effects of Saldi tierra containing various trace elements on bone components in the femoral-diaphyseal and -metaphyseal tissues of rats was investigated. Saldi tierra (sodium salt or potassium salt) was obtained from natural zeolite using the method of ion exchange with sodium chloride or potassium chloride solutions. Saldi tierra contained more than 20 elements. Rats were orally administered a solution of Saldi tierra once daily for 7 days. Calcium content, alkaline phosphatase activity and DNA content in the femoral-diaphyseal (cortical bone) and -metaphyseal (trabecular bone) tissues of rats were significantly increased with the administration of Saldi tierra sodium salt (100 mg/100 g body weight). Calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity in the femoral-diaphyseal tissues of rats were significantly increased with the administration of Saldi tierra sodium salt (50 mg/100 g). Saldi tierra (50 mg) contained 3.155 mg of calcium. Femoral components were not significantly altered by the administration of calcium chloride (Ca 3.155 mg/100 g body weight). Moreover, the administration of Saldi tierra potassium salt (50 or 100 mg/100 g) caused a significant increase in bone components in the femoral-diaphyseal or -metaphyseal tissues of rats. Potassium salt of Saldi tierra had a potent effect on bone components as compared with its sodium salt. Bone components were not significantly increased with the administration of an elemental mixture containing sodium (26.8 mg), potassium (1.660 mg), magnesium (0.431 mg), chloride (43.86 mg), silicon (11.1 µg), calcium (6.310 mg), zinc (0.42 µg), and manganese (1.32 mg/100 g), which are contained in Saldi tierra (100 mg). This study demonstrates that the oral administration of Saldi tierra containing various elements has anabolic effects on bone component in rats. The intake of Saldi tierra may have a role in the prevention of bone loss with aging.