Osteoblastic Proliferation Stimulating Activity of Epimedium koreanum. Nakai Extracts and Its Flavonol Glycosides

Abstract

The osteoblast-like UMR106 cells were employed as an osteoblast model, and the effect of the aerial parts of Epimedium koreanum. Nakai extracts on cell proliferation was studied. The ethyl acetate fraction from the crude extract was found to have the maximal stimulating activity. Three flavonoid compounds (icariside II, icariin, and epimedin B) were isolated from this fraction by activity-guided assay, and their effects on cell proliferation was investigated. Icariin produced the most significant promoting effect on UMR106 cell proliferation. The results suggested that Epimedium koreanum. extracts might have potential activity against osteoporosis, and its ethyl acetate fraction might contain active constituents stimulating osteoblasts.

Keywords:

• Epimedium koreanum
• flavonoids
• osteoblast-like UMR 106 cells
• proliferation