Inhibitory effects of Angelicae Gigantis Radix on osteoclast formation

Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AGR) is one of the most widely used herbal medications. AGR is the dried root of Angelica gigas Nakai (Umbelliferae), which is known as Korean angelica. This study investigated the effects of AGR on osteoclast formation using primary bone marrow cells. TNF-α treatment increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap) positive cells and Trap activity in bone marrow cells. However, AGR significantly decreased both TNF-α-induced Trap positive cells and Trap activity. RT-PCR analyses revealed that AGR decreased mRNA levels of Trap and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in TNF-α-treated bone marrow cells. In addition, AGR decreased TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB. These results suggest that AGR has an inhibitory effect on the formation of osteoclasts and its effect is partially related to the NF-κB pathway. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.