Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica L) Extract Improves Bone Density in Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporotic Rat Model
Zulfiyah Surdam1,2, Yulia Yusrini Djabir2,3, Aryadi Arsyad2,4*

1. Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
2. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Muslim University of Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
3. Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
4. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency may trigger a reduction in bone density leading to osteoporosis. Chia seeds contain high phytoestrogens and calcium, both play an important role in the process of bone remodeling This study aimed to determine the effect of chia seeds (Salvia Hispanica L) on osteoporosis based on bone histological features and blood calcium levels. Twenty-five female Wistar rats were employed in the study. Two groups consisted of non ovariectomized rats with or without chia seed extract treatment. The other three groups undergone ovariectomy and then received either placebo, chia seed extract, or sodium alendronate treatment as a standard treatment for osteoporosis. Treatments were given daily through oral gavage (130 mg/kg) for 60 days. After 24 hours from the last treatment, blood samples were taken to measure the calcium levels and the tibia bone tissues were removed to perform a histological study. The results indicate the trabeculae of the ovariectomized rats were thinning. Chia seed extract treatment led to more compact trabeculae compared to those untreated or received sodium alendronate. The blood calcium levels of the ovariectomized rats treated with Chia seed were significantly lower compared to the non ovariectomized controls (p equal 0.006), but they were still within the normal range. It is concluded that chia seeds extract administration can improve osteoporosis in the ovariectomized rats

Keywords: Osteoporosis; ovariectomy; tibial trabeculae; blood calcium levels

Topic: Medicinal plants and natural products