Evidence based anti-osteoporosis effects of Periplaneta americana L on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, vascular endothelial cells and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

Background Kangfuxin (KFX) is the ethanol extract of Periplaneta americana L, which has been widely used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for the repair and regeneration of injured organ and tissues with long history. This study is to investigate the influence of KFX in the various cellular activities and evaluate the anti-osteoporosis potential of KFX. Methods The influence of the KFX in the cellular activities, including: 1) migration, osteocalcin secretion of osteoblasts; 2) apoptosis of osteoclasts; 3) migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC); and 4) proliferation, cell cycle regulation and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), were investigated systematically. Results KFX was shown to significantly 1) Promote of the migration of osteoblasts, HUVEC, and BMSCs; 2) Increase the secretion of osteocalcin and mineralization of osteoblasts; 3) Accelerate the apoptosis of osteoclasts; 4) Stimulate the proliferation and regulate the cell cycle of BMSCs. Conclusion Taken together, these results provide the evidence for the osteogenesis, anti-osteoporosis and angiogenesis effects of KFX, with the mechanism of activating the bone formation through stimulating the osteoblasts and HUVECs, as well as inhibiting the bone absorption by inhibiting the osteoclasts activities. The KFX was definitely shown a promising bone turnover agent with great potential for anti-osteoporosis treatment.