Antiosteoporotic Effect of Combined Extract of Morus alba

Due to the limitation of osteoporosis therapy, the alternative therapies from natural sources have been considered. In this study, we aimed to determine the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum leaves. Ovariectomized rats, weighing 200–220 g, were orally given the combined extract at doses of 5, 150, and 300 mg·kg−1 BW for 3 months. At the end of study, blood was collected to determine serum osteocalcin, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase level. In addition, tibia bone was isolated to determine bone oxidative stress markers, cortical bone thickness, and density of osteoblast. The combined extract decreased oxidative stress and osteoclast density but increased osteoblast density and cortical thickness. The elevation of serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin was also observed. These results suggested the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract via the increased growth formation together with the suppression of bone resorption. However, further studies concerning chronic toxicity and the underlying mechanism are required

Heath profile of elderly people through active ageing framework in a community, Nakornnayok province

Health status of people in a community should be inspected in order to entering an ageing society. A health profile survey is an important first step. This study aimed to determine the health profile of an elderly population by using the active ageing framework. The survey was conducted in residents aged 60 or more in the Choomphol subdistrict, Ongkharak, Nakhonnayok, Thailand. Volunteers were selected by a stratified random sampling technique. The health profile questionnaire was used for interviewing and data collecting Among 195 participants, 59.0% were females and 41.0% were males, aged 60-94 years. According to active ageing framework health dimension, the first dimension – health condition- the results showed that 43.6% had health problems including visual problems (62.1%), memory loss (48.7%), sleeping problem (38.5%), depression (13.3%), dementia (21.6%). Their self dependency measured by Barthel ADL Index, the results indicated that 1.0% had no or little self dependence. In the second dimension security dimension, 60% were living with their spouse and their offspring played a major role in their living security and financial support. On the participation dimension, 65.6% engaged in religious practice and 55.9% engaged in community service. The presenting survey results emphazied further preparation for these 3 dimensions within the context of community

A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial Evaluating the Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Herbal Congee on Bone Turnover Markers of the Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women

Based on the benefit of polyphenolic compounds on osteoporosis, we hypothesized that the polyphenol-rich herbal congee containing the combined extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum leaves should improve bone turnover markers in menopausal women. To test this hypothesis, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 45 menopausal participants were recruited in this study. They were randomly divided into placebo, D1, and D2 groups, respectively. The subjects in D1 and D2 groups must consume the congee containing the combined extract of M. alba and P. odoratum leaves at doses of 50 and 1500 mg/day, respectively. At the end of an 8-week consumption period, all subjects were determined serum bone markers including calcium, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and beta CTX. In addition, the hematological and blood clinical chemistry changes, and total phenolic content in the serum were also determined. The results showed that the menopausal women in D2 group increased serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and total phenolic compounds content but decreased CTX level. Clinical safety assessment failed to show toxicity and adverse effects. Therefore, herbal congee containing the combined extract of M. alba and P. odoratum leaves is the potential functional food that can decrease the risk of osteoporosis