Noni leaf and black tea enhanced bone regeneration under estrogen-deficiency

• Published in: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) Los Angeles County, Calif.), 2016
• Main Authors: Shalan, Nor Aijratul Asikin Mohd, Mustapha, Noordin M, Mohamed, Suhaila
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• ISSN: 0899-9007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.08.006

Abstract Objective Dietary compounds that can promote bone formation will benefit patients with bone resorption disorders. The bone regeneration effects of black tea and Noni leaf and their mechanisms were studied in estrogen deficient rats. Research Methods and Procedures Noni leaves (three doses) and black tea water extracts were fed to ovariectomised rats for four months and their effects (analysed via mechanical mesurements, microCT scan and RT-PCR mRNA) were compared to Remifemin (a commercial phytoestrogen product from Black cohosh). Results The water extracts (dose-dependently for noni leaves) increased bone regeneration biomarkers (RUNX2, BMP2, osteoprotegerin, ESR1, COL1A1) expressions and reduced the inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, RANKL, and NFkB) mRNA expressions/levels in the rats. The extracts also improved bone physical and mechanical properties. The extracts demonstrated bone regeneration through improving (i) bone size and structure, (ii) bone mechanical properties (strength and flexibility), and (iii) bone mineralization and density. Conclusions The catechins-rich extract favoured bone regeneration and suppressed bone resorption. The mechanisms involved (i) enhancing osteoblast generation and survival, (ii) inhibiting osteoclast growth and activities, (iii) suppressing inflammation, (iv) improving bone collagen synthesis and (v) upregulating ESR1 expression to augment phytoestrogenic effects. Estrogen deficiency enhanced bone loss and all extracts studied (best effect from Morinda leaf at 300mg /kg body weight) mitigated the loss, indicating benefits for the aged and menopausal women.