The effect of crude extract from Radix Dipsaci on bone in mice.

Radix Dipsaci is used in China for the treatment of bone fractures and other bone diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the systemic effect of Radix Dipsaci consumption on bone histomorphology. Twenty eight-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into two groups. In the control group, ten mice were daily fed with distilled water. In the Radix Dipsaci group, ten mice were daily fed with distilled water mixed with crude Radix Dipsaci extract. The mice were kept for 5 weeks and were then killed. Using microcomputed tomography, 20 microtomographic slices with an increment of 0.25 mm were acquired to cover the proximal end of the left tibia of each mouse. Quantitative morphometry of the bone structure was performed. Histological sections of the region of micro-tomographic slices were prepared. The results showed that the consumption of Radix Dipsaci extract caused a 4.50% increase in bone volume/tissue volume ratio. The bone trabeculae increased by 11.82% in number so that the bone density was increased. To conclude, Radix Dipsaci extract taken orally increased bone density and altered bone histomorphology. (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.