Osteocyte viability and bone density in cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis ameliorated with Pilostigma thonningii stem bark‐extracted D‐3‐O‐methy‐chiroinositol

BACKGROUND: This study examined the ameliorative effect of D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol, isolated from the stem bark of Piliostigma thonningii, on cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty‐six rats were assigned to three treatment groups (n = 12). Group A (2 mL distilled water), group B: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl(2)) and group C: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl(2) and D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol 2 mg/kg b.w.). Bone ash, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and zinc content, as well as bone histological changes were determined at the end of months 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the weight of the cervical, tibia, and femoral bones in all groups. The serum concentration of CdCl(2) was significantly different across the three groups with time. There was significant variation (P < 0.005) in the mean bone ash across groups. The concentration of OH‐proline was significantly different (P < 0.0001) across groups. There were significant differences (P < 0.0001) in bone calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations. Histology revealed high levels of bone mineralisation in the CdCl(2)‐treated group, indicative of osteoporosis with hypertrophied osteocytes, while the femur of Wistar rats treated with D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol showed bone trabeculae and viable osteocytes. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol extract from Piliostigma thionningii stem bark ameliorated cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats.