The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of biomedicinal agents on Ca2+, P and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in ovariectomized rats. Rats were ovariectomized bilaterally and were fed up with Ca2+ and P-free diet during 8(9,10) weeks to induce osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was determined by the extent of bone density and by lowering the concentrations of serum Ca2+, P and ALP activity every week. Rats in antler, safflower, ipriflavon, or coadminisrated with estrogen groups were administrated with feed supplement for 5 weeks to elucidate the protective and therapeutic effects against osteoporosis. The bone tissue was examined with electron microscope to determine the effects of each treatment on osteoporosis. 1. The levels of serum Ca2+ and P in osteoporosisinduced rats, administrated with antler, ipriflavon and estrogen groups, were little higher than those of control rats. However, the levels of serum Ca and P in ovariectomized rats were significantly higher than those of control group (p<0.05). 2. The activities of serum ALP in osteoporosisinduced rats, administrated with antler extract, safflower, ipriflavon, or co-admistrated with estrogen, were little increased in comparing with those of control group, but were significantly decreased in with combination of estrogen for 5 weeks. However, The connections were interrupted and the bone matrix was destroyed in the osteoporosis-induced rats. 3. The inter-trabecular connections were examined under electron microscope. The connections were well maintained and bone loss was without in the administration with antler, safflower, and ipriflavon with combination of estrogen for 5 weeks. However, The connections were interrupted and the bone matrix was destroyed in the osteoporosis-induced rats.
Alkaline Phosphatase/*blood ; Animals ; Antlers ; Bone Density/drug effects/*physiology ; Bone Remodeling/drug effects ; Calcium/*blood ; Dietary Supplements ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Isoflavones/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Osteoporosis/*blood/enzymology/prevention & control ; Ovariectomy ; Phosphates/*blood ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Safflower Oil/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Tissue Extracts/administration & dosage/therapeutic use