How Goji Berry Extract Helps Bone Growth in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Jim Crocker
18th May, 2024

How Goji Berry Extract Helps Bone Growth in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • A study from Tongji University School of Medicine explored the benefits of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on bone health in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
  • LBP consumption significantly increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut, which have anti-inflammatory properties and promote gut health
  • The increase in SCFAs was linked to enhanced osteoblast activity, leading to better bone formation and health
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, is a significant health concern, particularly for postmenopausal women. Traditional treatments often focus on calcium and vitamin D supplementation, but recent research has suggested that these may have limited effectiveness and potential adverse effects[2]. In light of this, a new study from Tongji University School of Medicine has explored the potential benefits of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in promoting bone health[1]. This study aimed to investigate how LBP affects the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, in postmenopausal individuals with osteoporosis. The researchers used in vitro cell experiments to simulate the human intestinal microbiota ecosystem and assess the impact of long-term LBP consumption on intestinal metabolites. The study found that LBP consumption significantly increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. SCFAs are produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers in the gut and have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and the promotion of gut health. The increase in SCFAs was associated with enhanced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Specifically, the fermentation supernatant from LBP treatment significantly increased the expression of bone-alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), both markers of bone formation. These findings suggest that LBP can positively influence bone health by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing SCFA production. This is particularly relevant given the limitations of current osteoporosis treatments. For instance, while biochemical markers of bone turnover (BTMs) such as B-ALP and procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) are used to monitor therapy in osteoporotic patients, they have been associated with various adverse events[3]. The use of LBP could potentially offer a safer alternative by enhancing bone health through natural metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the study's results align with previous research on the role of prebiotics in bone health. For example, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), another type of prebiotic, have been shown to improve mineral balance and bone properties in animal models by increasing calcium and magnesium absorption and enhancing bone mineral density[4]. The current study expands on these findings by demonstrating that LBP, through its prebiotic properties, can similarly enhance bone health by promoting osteoblast activity. In conclusion, the research from Tongji University School of Medicine provides compelling evidence that LBP can enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by modulating gut microbiota and increasing SCFA production. This opens up new avenues for the management of osteoporosis, particularly for postmenopausal women who are at higher risk for this condition. The findings also highlight the potential of prebiotics like LBP and GOS in improving bone health, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments that may have limited effectiveness and adverse effects[2][4].

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Published 15th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132415

Related Studies

2) Should we prescribe calcium or vitamin D supplements to treat or prevent osteoporosis?

https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2015.1098266

3) Potential of biomarkers during pharmacological therapy setting for postmenopausal osteoporosis: a systematic review.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-021-02497-0

4) Galactooligosaccharides improve mineral absorption and bone properties in growing rats through gut fermentation.

https://doi.org/10.1021/jf2009777


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙