Aqueous extract of <i>Ormocarpum cochinchinense</i> augments proliferation and promotes osteogenesis in osteoblast like MG63 cells.

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering requires a high restorative index as a demand from modern day requirements. Therapeutic agents derived from natural sources play a vital role as modulators in promoting bone regeneration. <i>Ormocarpum cochinchinense,</i> a shrub, is used by the traditional healers of southern East Asia to treat bone fractures. However, there remains a dearth in the exploration of its bone healing properties. The present study reports a systematic analysis of the aqueous extract of <i>Ormocarpum cochinchinense</i> (OCE) as a repository of natural bio-actives capable of eliciting <i>in vitro</i> biomineralization and thereby osteogenesis. MTT assay, and Live/dead cell staining assay were used to evaluate the cell viability of MG-63 cells. Alizarin staining evaluated the mineralization by OCE, and ALP enzyme activity was measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. Gene expression of osteogenic markers (Runx2, ALP, Collagen type 1, BMP2, Osteocalcin, and Osteopontin) was measured by RT-qPCR. The MTT, and Live/Dead staining results exemplified significant proliferation index. Augmented biomineralization as early as 7 days was validated by Alizarin Red staining with increased mineralized nodules. The activity of Alkaline phosphatase (an early bone marker) was significantly enhanced by OCE. Furthermore, the expression levels of early and late osteogenic markers were increased profoundly after OCE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The present study demonstrates the potential of <i>Ormocarpum cochinchinense</i> to promote osteogenesis, exemplifying its potential for bone tissue engineering.