Qu Feng Zhi Tong capsule increases mechanical properties of cortical bone in ovariectomised rats

Abstract

Abstract Backgroud/objective Qu Feng Zhi Tong capsule (QF, Buchang Pharma, Xi'an, Shanxi, China) is officially approved Fufang formula in China for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, it consists of seven herbs, among which Erodium stephanianum, Dipsacus asper, and Viscum Coloratum were reported to be able to prevent bone loss and promote bone healing. Moreover, osthole from Angelica pubescens exerted anabolic effect on cortical bone by activating β-catenin-bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling. So, we hypothesise that the formula QF has beneficial potential on preventing osteoporosis. Method In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the main constituents in QF, and SD female rats were ovariectomised (OVX) to examine antiosteoporotic efficacy. Thirty OVX rats were orally administrated with QF (162 and 648 ​mg/kg/day, L-QF, and H-QF) or estradiol (1 ​mg/kg/day, E2) for 12 weeks. Sham and OVX control group were treated with vehicle. Results Eleven compounds in QF extract were identified using HPLC, and the sum of their peak areas was covered 44.2% of total peak area of QF extract. As to in vivo results, compared to OVX group, H-QF had significantly higher ultimate load (P ​ Conclusion QF promoted cortical mechanical properties because of its positive effects on cortical thickness, porosity, and skeletal muscle. H-QF increased cortical thickness by promoting bone formation of periosteum and inhibiting bone absorption of endosteum in OVX rats. The translational potential of this article This study provided theoretical basis for QF as a conventional drug in osteoporosis to enhance cortical bone mechanical and avoid long bone fracture. As cortical diaphyseal bone is an important target of RA, this study also provides a possibility that QF is beneficial to RA by its positive effects on cortical bone to prevent bone erosions in RA patients.