Effects of serum from Ginsenoside saponins on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts

Objective To explore the effects of serum from ginsenoside saponins (GSS) on the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization in osteoblasts (OB). Methods Serum from GSS with different doses were fed to calvaria bone specimens from rats. The proliferation of osteoblasts and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of OB were analyzed. After alizarin red S staining, the area of calcium nodule was calculated to observe the result of serum from GSS on OB mineralization. Results Serum from GSS had notable effects on the proliferation of in vitro cultured OB (P<0.01) and remarkably stimulated the mineralization of OB (P<0.05) while its effect on the ALP activity of OB was also marked (P<0.01). Conclusion Serum from GSS can promote the proliferation and mineralization ability of OB and significantly accelerate the formation of OB. Key words: Osteoporosis; Ginsenoside; Osteoblasts; Serum