Groundnut (Apios americana Medik) Extract Enhances the Osteoblast Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells.

The effects of groundnut (Apios americana Medik) extract on osteoblast differentiation were examined using MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with the crude extract along with other differentiating reagents. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of cells cultured in a differentiation medium supplemented with 0.01% crude groundnut extract was 1.5-1.6 times higher than that of cells cultured in a differentiation medium without the extract. Crude groundnut extract was further separated into aqueous and methanol fractions. The methanol fraction enhanced ALP activity, osteocalcin, integrin-binding sialoprotein, and type I collagen expression, and calcium mineralization. Conversely, the aqueous fraction did not show such effects. Groundnut extract may enhance osteoblast differentiation, and this effect is likely conferred by water insoluble substance(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]