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Planta Med 2010; 76(9): 850-857
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240798
Pharmacology
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and Estrogen on Metaphyseal Fracture Healing in the Early Stage of Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats

Leila Kolios1 , Jacob Schumann1 , Stephan Sehmisch1 , Thomas Rack1 , Mohammed Tezval1 , Dana Seidlova-Wuttke2 , Karl-Heinz Frosch1 , Klaus Michael Stuermer1 , Ewa Klara Stuermer1
  • 1Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
  • 2Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received August 15, 2009 revised Dec. 13, 2009

accepted Dec. 16, 2009

Publication Date:
26 January 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Osteoporosis and its accompanying, predominantly metaphyseal, fractures are a major health problem. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and estrogen positively influence osteoporotic bone. Both substances may improve fracture healing in early osteoporosis as well. In 48 twelve-week-old ovariectomized or, respectively, sham-operated (SHAM) rats, a standardized metaphyseal tibia osteotomy with bridging T-plate fixation was performed. During the healing process of 35 days, rats received soy-free (SHAM, osteopenic C), estrogen- (E) or Cimicifuga racemosa- (CR) supplemented diets. After sacrifice, the callus formation was analyzed with regard to biomechanical quality, morphology, quantity, time course of new bone built and gene expression. CR induced a high rate of metaphyseal callus formation. The biomechanical properties and the amount of new callus formation indicated that fracture healing was still in progress. Therefore, gene expression of osteoblasts was comparatively high. Body weight and the trabecular structure were influenced little by CR. Estrogen improved the biomechanical properties of the callus. Resistance to microfracturing was significantly enhanced in the E group and even superior to SHAM. Remodeling of the callus formation had already begun. The trabecular network and the typical endosteal fracture healing were especially improved. Osteoporotic metaphyseal fracture healing was improved by estrogen more than by Cimicifuga racemosa. The process of fracture healing occurred nearly physiologically. The generation of callus formation was supported by Cimicifuga racemosa as well, but the five-week duration of application was too short for Cimicifuga racemosa to show its complete potential. Already-initiated Cimicifuga racemosa therapy for menopausal symptoms could be continued during fracture healing without hesitation.

Key words

osteoporosis prophylaxis - estrogen - Cimicifuga (Actaea) racemosa - Ranunculaceae - metaphyseal fracture healing - osteoporosis

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M.D. Leila Kolios

Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery
Georg-August-University of Goettingen

Robert-Koch-Str. 40

37075 Goettingen

Germany

Phone: + 49 55 13 92 26 42

Fax: + 49 5 51 39 89 91

Email: leilakolios@freenet.de

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