Effect of phytocomplex consisting of rice husk, green tea and sea buckthorn on bone tissue in osteoporosis model in rats

Osteoporosis develops due to an imbalance between the processes of bone tissue formation and destruction. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a phytocomplex with a combined composition of a mixture of rice husk, green tea and sea buckthorn cake on bone tissue in a model of osteoporosis in rats.

Material and methods. Liquid chromatography and mass-spectrometry were used to determine the content of active compounds (katechins and flavonoids) of phytocomplex with rice husk, green tea and sea buckthorn. The study was conducted on female Wistar rats (n = 32) at the age of 3 months. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy. Phytocomplex, reference drug or a saline solution was administered to the animals for 4 weeks. Bone density was studied using computed tomography of the femur. Histological evaluation of bone tissue was performed by Van Gieson staining.

Results and discussion. It was discovered that the phytocomplex contains L-epicatechin, kempferol and isoramnetin. Animals undergoing ovariectomy develop osteoporosis as demonstrated by computed tomography. After administration of the phytocomplex and the reference drug to animals with simulated osteoporosis, bone density was significantly higher compared to the saline injection group (989 and 1018 HU, respectively). In animals receiving the phytocomplex, less intense coloration of collagen fibers than in the control, but areas with newly synthesized collagen fibers appeared around the Haversian canals and in the outer areas of bone trabeculae.

Conclusions. When administered orally for 4 weeks, the phytocomplex with a combined composition of a mixture of rice husk, green tea and sea buckthorn cake leads to an increase in bone density and promotes the formation of collagen fibers in bone tissue in osteoporosis in rats. This phytocomplex can be considered promising for maintaining bone tissue in osteoporosis.

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