Evaluating the Osteogenic potential of S. officinale against Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis using in vivo model
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone formation, increased bone resorption and disruption of bone mineralization. The present study investigated the osteoprotective potential of Symphytum officinale ( S. officinale ) aqueous root extract using a dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis model in adult zebrafish ( Danio rerio ). Phytochemical screening and LC–MS analysis were performed to characterize the extract, followed by developmental toxicity assessment. Adult zebrafish were divided into control, dexamethasone-treated and low- and high-dose S. officinale -treated groups. Bone regeneration and mineralization were evaluated using histopathology, Alizarin Red staining, scale morphometry and ICP-MS analysis of calcium and phosphorus. Hydroxyproline, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assays were performed to assess collagen content and bone remodelling. The extract showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phytosterols and other bioactive constituents, including quercetin derivatives and biochanin A, while no developmental toxicity was observed at the tested concentrations. Dexamethasone induced marked alterations in tissue architecture, reduced mineral deposition and scale size and disrupted calcium and phosphorus levels. S. officinale treatment improved skeletal morphology, mineralization, scale size and mineral content, with pronounced effects on several parameters at the higher dose. The extract also modulated hydroxyproline, ALP and TRAP activities, indicating concentration-dependent effects on bone remodelling. Hence, S. officinale demonstrates osteoprotective potential against dexamethasone-induced skeletal alterations in zebrafish.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7222943040