A recent study conducted by herbal and supplement maker OCT USA found that two of its herbal extracts have a positive effect on bone metabolism. The company said the Osteopeak supplements could be used by women to protect against the bone-wasting disease osteoporosis.
The study, "Effect of Two Herbal Extracts on the Bone Metabolism" by lead investigator, Steve Kim, found that two herbal extracts, Rehmania glutinosa Liboschand Eleutherococcus senticosus Max, stimulate the proliferation and activity of bone-forming cells, osteoblasts, and inhibit the activity of bone-reabsorbing cells, osteoclasts, reported OCT USA.
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterised by a defect in bone remodelling and the loss of normally mineralised bone. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 8 million American women and 2 million men have osteoporosis, and millions more have low bone density.
The study from OCT's research and development department noted that two types of body cells are primarily involved in the remodelling of bones: osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are cells that create bone, while osteoclasts destroy bone to promote the rebirth of bone and dissolve the necessary amount of calcium required by the body. These cells are constantly at work in the remodeling process of bone.
However, "when the body's hormonal and other balances are disrupted, osteoclasts at times dissolve more calcium than necessary. This situation is particularly conspicuous among post-menopausal women," said Kim. "In other words, the cause of osteoporosis is calcium deficiency and "runaway" osteoclasts."
The results of the study showed that there was an increase in the osteoblastic cells after treatment with the herbal blends and a reduction in activity by the osteoclastic cells. "When a body ages, the activity of osteoclasts surpass one of osteoblasts which caused porous bone," said Kim. He added that to suppress this excess activity of osteoclasts it is important to keep the bone mineral density high.The company is promoting the supplement as an alternative to HRT in the light of recent research showing its negative effects.
Oct USA is currently seeking organic certification for OsteoPeak.