Korean J Physiol Pharmacol.  2005 Feb;9(1):55-62.

Effect of Extracts from Safflower Seeds on Osteoblastic Differentiation and Intracellular Free Calcium Concentration in MC3T3-E1 Cells

• Jang HO
• Eom HS
• Roh SB
• Yun I

Abstract

Very little research has been carried out on safflower seed for the prevention and treatment of the bone deficiency diseases, including osteoporosis, which are supported by scientific evidences. In the present study, 3microliter of 0.1% dried crude extract or 2microliter of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction were shown to significantly accelerate the rate of differentiation of osteoblast. Also, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells: 3microliter of 0.1% dried crude extract and 2microliter of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction significantly increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells (8x104) to the extent that it deserves a considerable attention. Furthermore, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells, and 300microM Cd2+, specific calcium channel blocker, completely blocked the increase. Therefore, the increased [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells by safflower seed component continued to activate calcium channel.

Keyword

Safflower seed extracts; Intracellular free calcium concentration; MC3T3-E1 cells; Osteoblastic differentiation; Alkaline phosphatase activity

MeSH Terms

Calcium Channels
Calcium*
Carthamus tinctorius*
Deficiency Diseases
Osteoblasts*
Osteoporosis
Calcium
Calcium Channels