OBJECTIVETo investigated the bone resorption caused by osteoclasts and modulating functions of a Chinese herb, Epimedium on bone resorption.

METHODSOsteoclasts were separated from long-limb bones of new born rabbits, cultured with de-activated human tooth slices and glass slices, and treated with different concentrations of Epimedium. Osteoclasts on glass slices were stained by HE staining, TUNEL staining and absorption pits on tooth slices were observed by light microscope.

RESULTSHE staining shows that the Epimedium treated cells showed shrinkage of cytosol and condensation of nuclei. Some treated cells showed breakage of nuclei. TUNEL staining shows that treated cells showed shrinkage of cytosol, dark stained nuclei and light stained cytosol. These results indicate that Epimedium can induce osteoclast to commit apoptosis. Further study shows that the number and area of absorption pits formed on treated tissues are significantly different from those on control tissues. So the effect of Epimedium on bone resorption is dose-dependent.

CONCLUSIONSEpimedium can induce osteoclast apoptosis and inhibit bone resorption. The effect of Epimedium on bone resorption is dose-dependent.