Effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts and caltrate on osteoblasts proliferation and differentiation

Osteoporosis is a significant and escalating public health issue. It is a skeletal disorder in which there is a decrease in bone strength, resulting in a heightened susceptibility to fractures. Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EUL) has been traditionally employed to alleviate muscle and bone weakness. In order to investigate the induction of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by the two EUL extracts under non-stress conditions, as well as their combined effects with Caltrate, this study examined cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and abundance of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins. The results demonstrated that EUL extract 1 and Caltrate intervention alone could promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, and their combined treatment exhibited a synergistic effect. EUL extract 2, when administered alone, was capable of enhancing osteoblast proliferation and differentiation; however, it did not exhibit a strong synergistic effect when combined with Caltrate. Therefore, administering EUL extract 1 either individually or in combination with Caltrate serve as a potential dietary supplement for osteoporosis.