Uncaria tomentosa reduces osteoclastic bone loss in vivo

Abstract Background The genus Uncaria (Rubiaceae) has several biological properties significant to human health. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of this plant on bone diseases are uncertain. Purpose The present study investigated the role of Uncaria tomentosa extract (UTE) on alveolar bone loss in rats and on osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Materials UTE was characterized by an Acquity UPLC (Waters) system, coupled to an Electrospray Ionization (ESI) interface and Quadrupole/Flight Time (QTOF, Waters) Mass Spectrometry system (MS). The effect of UTE treatment for 11 days on the ligature-induced bone loss was assessed focusing on several aspects: macroscopic and histological analysis of bone loss, neutrophil and osteoclast infiltration, and anabolic effect. The effect of UTE on bone marrow cell differentiation to osteoclasts was assessed in vitro. Results The analysis of UTE by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 24 compounds, among pentacyclic or tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids and phenols. The administration of UTE for 11 days on ligature-induced rat attenuated the periodontal attachment loss and alveolar bone resorption. It also diminished neutrophil migration to the gingiva tissue, demonstrated by a lower level of MPO. UTE treatment also decreased the level of RANKL/OPG ratio, the main osteoclast differentiation-related genes, followed by reduced TRAP-positive cell number lining the alveolar bone. Additionally, the level of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, an anabolic bone marker, was elevated in the plasma of UTE treated rats. Next, we determined a possible direct effect of UTE on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. The incubation of primary osteoclast with UTE decreased RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation without affecting cell viability. This effect was supported by downregulation of the nuclear factor activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 expression, a master regulator of osteoclast differentiation, and other osteoclast-specific activity markers, such as cathepsin K and TRAP. Conclusion UTE exhibited an effective anti-resorptive and anabolic effects, which highlight it as a potential natural product for the treatment of certain osteolytic diseases, such as periodontitis.