Icariside II promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in beagle canine.

Icariside II (ICS II) is a prenylated active flavonol from the roots of epimedium koreanum Nakai, and has many biological activities, including anti-osteoporosis, anti-hypoxia and anti-cancer activities. In this study, we aimed to study the effect of ICS II on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSCs). Cell surface markers of cultured BMSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry and identified by multi-lineage differentiation assays. BMSCs proliferation was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for 2, 4, 6 and 8 days in a range of ICS II concentrations. The osteogenic response of BMSCs to ICS II in vitro was examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and Alizarin red staining on calcium nodule formation. Results showed ICS II significantly improved ALP activity, and calcium deposition. The optimal concentration of ICS II for enhancing osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was 10(-5). Therefore, we concluded ICS II can enhance the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs which may be useful in clinic.