Promoting osteoblast differentiation by the flavanes from Huangshan Maofeng tea is linked to a reduction of oxidative stress.

Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between tea consumption and the prevention of bone loss in the elderly. Previous studies indicated that green tea exerted osteoprotective effect in vivo. This study aims to investigate the constituents in Huangshan Maofeng tea and systemically evaluate their antioxidative and osteogenic effects in vitro. Five flavanes, isolated from Huangshan Maofeng tea, showed effects on proliferation of osteoblastic cells and ameliorated H2O2-induced C2C12 mouse myoblast cell apoptosis at 3.125-50 μg/ml. (-)-Epicatechin observably increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and hydroxyproline content. (-)-Epiafzelechin at 25 μg/ml significantly increased the area of mineralized bone nodules. The activities of flavanes in promoting osteblastic proliferation and differentiation are positively correlated with activities in protecting against apoptosis in C2C12 cells. It indicates that anti-osteoporosis effect of these flavanes may be linked to their antioxidative activity. The observed effects of these flavanes suggest that these flavanes may have beneficial effects on bone health.