Stimulative effects of Drynariae Rhizoma extracts on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Pharmacological factors are needed to prevent bone loss that occurs with increasing age. The chemical compounds that act on bone metabolism in herbal medicines, however, are poorly understood. Effects of traditional Korean medicine, Drynariae Rhizoma [Drynaria fortunei (kunze) J. Sm] extract (DR), on the osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation were investigated. The effect of DR, a natural phyto herb, on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in non-transformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was studied. DR dose-dependently increased DNA synthesis (significant at 50-150 microg/ml). DR increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and prolyl hydroxylase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells (50-150 microg/ml). Antiestrogen tamoxifen eleminated the stimulation of proliferation and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1, which were induced by DR. DR at concentrations ranged from 30-100 microg/ml inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in MC3T3-E1. These results indicate that DR directly stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results also suggest and DR is effective for bone anti-resorptive action in bone cells.