Effect of long-term administration of mangiferin from Belamcanda chinensis on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats

Mangiferin has demonstrated in vitro inhibitory influence on RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand) mediated osteoclasts activity. In this study we evaluated the effect of mangiferin on ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in rats. Animals were randomized into four groups: SHAM (“sham” operated group) and three ovariectomized groups (OVX-C – controls; OVX-M10 – mangiferin 10 mg/kg/day and OVX-M30 – mangiferin 30 mg/kg/day). Mangiferin administration began 3 months after ovariectomy and was continued for 6 consecutive months. In mangiferin-treated rats we demonstrated decrease in bCTX (beta C-terminated telopeptide of type I collagen) level and increase in BMD (bone mineral density) comparing to OVX-C. Bone histomorphometric parameters were in OVX-M10 and OVX-M30 significantly better than in OVX-C. No influence of mangiferin on OC (osteocalcin) level was detected. Thus mangiferin demonstrated antiresorptive influence on bone metabolism and it attenuated ovariectomy-induced bone changes.