The Effect of Gusuibu on Bone Remodelling

Abstract

AIM: Traditional Chinese medicines have been used in the Chinese population for the treatment of bone disease and to promote bone healing for several thousand years. Pan et al. (1992) examined the local effect of a Chinese herb, Gusuibu, on increasing the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in guinea pigs and rabbits. However, no information is known about the systemic effect of Gusuibu on bone. The aim of this investigation was to assess the systemic effect of Gusuibu consumption on bone histomorphology. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-eight-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into two groups. In the control group, 10 mice were fed daily with distilled water, while in the Gusuibu group, 10 mice were fed daily with distilled water mixed with Gusuibu extract. The mice were kept for five weeks and were then killed. Using micro-computed tomography, 20 micro-tomographic slices with an increment of 0.25 mm were acquired to cover the proximal end of the left tibia of each mouse. Quantitative morphometry of the bone structure was performed. RESULTS: Consumption of Gusuibu extract increased the bone volume/tissue volume ratio by 6.45 per cent. Trabecular bone increased by 10 per cent, implying that the bone density was increased. CONCLUSION: Gusuibu extract taken orally increases bone density and triggers bone remodelling.