Effect of equisetum arvense extract on bone mineral density in Wistar rats via digital radiography

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age. The present study used digital radiography to determine the effects of equisetum arvense extract on the bone mineral density (BMD) of experimental rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 25 male and 25 female Wistar rats, aged three weeks old and weighing 100 grams, were randomly divided into five groups: (1) control group, (2) calcium/vitamin D group, (3) 60 mg/kg equisetum arvense extract group, (4) 90 mg/kg equisetum arvense extract group and (5) 120 mg/kg equisetum arvense extract group. Rats received these diets for 30 days. The spongy bone density was measured in the maxilla and mandible using digital radiography and the serum levels of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus were measured at baseline and after 30 days. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between serum calcium and phosphorus levels in the five groups before and after 30 days. The serum vitamin D in the group receiving calcium and vitamin D was significantly higher than in the other groups (with average values of 24.7, 61.7, 23.47, 23.95 and 39.16 in the male groups 1 to 5 and 29.0, 85.07, 31.58, 42.34 and 18.83 in the female groups 1 to 5, respectively (p<0.001). Moreover, the increased mandibular BMD in the 120 mg/kg equisetum arvense group was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A diet containing 120 mg/kg equisetum arvense extract resulted in increased mandibular bone mineral density.