There is a significant proportion of the population who suffer from bone-related health conditions. These conditions vary in severity, but nevertheless deserve attention from health product providers. Despite the best intentions of producers, finding clinically proven and natural ingredients for bone health can be very challenging. With this problem in mind, Chenland has been focused on bringing herbal TCM options forward as effective, natural defense for bone-related conditions. EuBone® is an herbal formula with a long history in TCM. Our research shows EuBone®’s ability to bidirectionally stabilize calcium and phosphorus metabolism, as well as to regulate the balance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

The focus of the research was to determine the efficacy of herbal TCM formulas on Osteoporosis, and to provide specific mechanisms of action.

During the study, GIO (Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis) rats were given an extract formula of Eucommia, Cuscuta, and Drynaria (E.C.D), EuBone®. The study found that, “EuBone® decreased mineral loss & expression of RANKL, and CTX (proteins related to osteoclast differentiation). Analysis suggests that EuBone® may help to regulate bone remodeling through the PI3K/Akt pathway. It also shows improved bone density, structural integrity, and bio-mechanical function in the GIO rats.”

The micro-CT scan (below) provides a visual representation of the effect of EuBone® (E.C.D.) on bone microstructure and strength [of experimental GIO rats], which indicates EuBone® dramatically improved the integrity, thickness, and density of bone in GIO rats.

The study also shows convincing in-vitro evidence for the E.C.D. formula’s (EuBone®) method of action: reducing the prevalence of osteoclasts. An immunoblotting experiment was performed on bone cells with osteoclast differentiation and it was found that EuBone® can significantly reduce the number of osteoclasts containing bone dissolving proteins, “EuBone® inhibited Raw 264.7 cell differentiation to osteoclast in vitro. On the other hand, it promoted OPG expression of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) which can suppress the osteoclast genesis.”

Our in-vitro results show that administration of 200 μg/ml of EuBone® reversed osteoclast differentiation (right panel) with no multi-nucleated osteoclast.

The integrated network pharmacology analysis indicates the potential targets mediated by EuBone® in treating osteoporosis. The top nine pathways with the largest number of enrichment targets were considered the main biological processes involved in osteoporosis treatment. They are the PI3K/Akt pathway, Thyroid hormone pathway, HIF-1 pathway, FoxO pathway, Estrogen pathway, Rap1 pathway, ErbB pathway, Prolactin pathway, and Ras pathway.

The Western Blot results indicated EuBone® inhibited PI3K expression and phosphorated Akt. At the same time, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway decreased RANKL expression. Therefore, we can tentatively conclude that EuBone® inhibits Osteoclastogenesis through regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Our work suggests that EuBone® can down-regulate PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit Osteoclastogenesis and have therapeutic efficacy in GIO rats. It provides a novel perspective for GIO treatments in the future.

The results from the study are very promising, and Chenland plans to continue researching the potential of TCM formulas to promote bone health and retention. Specifically, a double blind, placebo-controlled study on bone health in postmenopausal women is expected to be completed in 2023. Chenland is also planning a 180-day, single-center, open label human clinical study to investigate the effects of EuBone® on elderly adults (especially women), with mild to moderate osteoporosis.

 Are you visiting SupplySide East 2022 in April? If so, make sure to visit our booth (stand #335) and explore our innovative branded ingredients, health solutions, and private label service for your tablets, powders, soft-gels, functional foods, and beverages!