Work

Potential anti-osteoporotic and anti-inflammatory potential of plant derived extracts and column semi-purified fractions of Epimedium brevicornum

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Osteoporosis is characterized by excessive bone resorption and impaired bone remodeling, often accompanied by inflammatory processes that exacerbate skeletal deterioration. Natural products with multi-target potential have gained attention as alternative therapeutic strategies. The present study aimed to investigate the in-vitro anti-osteoporotic and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts obtained from different parts of Epimedium brevicornum, including leaves, stem, and roots, as well as isolated column semi-purified fractions (E-B-1 C, E-B-2 C, E-B-3 C, and E-B-4 C) derived from the leaf extract. Methods Crude methanolic extracts and leaf-derived semi-purified fractions were prepared using column chromatography and evaluated for inhibitory activity against key enzymes involved in bone resorption and remodeling, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). Enzyme inhibition assays were conducted at varying concentrations to determine percentage inhibition and IC 50 . Results All tested extracts and fractions demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition across the evaluated targets. Among the semi-purified fractions, E-B-2 C and E-B-3 C generally showed stronger inhibitory activities against bone resorption-related enzymes, whereas E-B-1 C exhibited the strongest inhibition of 5-LOX. The IC 50 values ranged from 95.22 to 462.37 μg/mL across the six enzymatic targets. Overall, the semi-purified fractions showed greater inhibitory potency than the crude extracts. Conclusion The findings suggest that Epimedium brevicornum may serve as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with dual anti-osteoporotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Further investigations focusing on isolation, structural characterization, and in-vivo validation are warranted to confirm therapeutic potential.

Source: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2026.1938049

Authors: Nan Ding, Baohui Wang

Institutions: Xi'an Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University

Language: English

Topic: Medicinal Plant Pharmacodynamics Research

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801