Objective: To study the effects of administration or local application of epimedium on the fracture healing in osteoporosis rats.
Methods: Eighty-two 4-month old clean female rats, 210-250 g, were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 75) and the control group (n = 7). The bilateral ovaries were resected in the experimental group, while only little fat tissue around the ovary was resected in the control group. Ten weeks after operation the osteoporosis model was successfully established verified by bone densitometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The femur fracture models were established in the rest 72 rats of the experimental group. They were randomly divided into 3 groups, 24 in each group, i.e., the calcium phosphate cement (CPC) group (Group A), the CPC-epimedium group (Group B), and the epimedium administration group (Group C). The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of the 3 groups were determined 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The vitodynamical test and observation of the histological section were performed.
Results: The serum ALP levels increased to some extent in the 3 groups 2, 4, and 8 weeks after bone fracture surgery. But the increase was more obvious in Group B with statistical difference shown when compared with Group A and C (P < 0.05). The ALP level in Group B decreased to the normal range till the 12th week. The bone fracture had not completely healed in Group C and A. Their ALP levels decreased to some extent, but were still maintained to a comparatively higher level, showing statistical difference when compared with that of Group B (P < 0.05). These results were agreeable with the results of the histological observation. Better bone activity promoting results were shown in Group B. The vitodynamical test results of the femur of Group B were all higher than those of Group A and C at each time point (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Local application of epimedium could accelerate the fracture healing in osteoporosis rats. It showed better effects when compared with oral administration at the same dose.