Effect of Justicia gendarussa Leaf Extract on Bone Homeostasis through the Regulation of RANKL, OPG, and Osteoclast/Osteoblast Ratio in Hypoestrogenic Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Justicia gendarussa leaf ethanol extract on bone homeostasis in a hypoestrogenic rat model by analyzing the regulation of key bone remodeling markers such as RANKL, OPG, and the osteoclast/osteoblast ratio. Thirty female rats were divided into five groups, including a healthy control (KN), an ovariectomized group without treatment (KP), and three treatment groups (OVX ۱, OVX ۲, and OVX ۳) that received the extract at doses of ۱۲۵, ۲۵۰, and ۵۰۰ mg/kg body weight for ۲۱ days. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in EGFR and RANKL expression, accompanied by a significant increase in OPG levels in the treated groups. These molecular changes were reflected in a reduced osteoclast ratio and an increased osteoblast ratio, indicating improved bone remodeling. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the extract's ability to modulate bone turnover. The highest dose (۵۰۰ mg/kg body weight) showed the most optimal effect, approaching the physiological conditions observed in the healthy control group. These findings suggest that the bioactive flavonoid compounds in J. gendarussa may contribute to bone preservation by modulating the RANKL/OPG axis and EGFR-associated signaling pathways, offering potential as a safe and effective alternative therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑠𝑎 ، bone homeostasis ، RANKL ، OPG ، Osteoclast/Osteoblast Ratio ، hypoestrogen