Objective: To investigate in vitro effects of water extract components of Oxalis corniculata on cell proliferation and differentiation in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Method: SaOS-2 cells were treated with different concentrations (10

100

200 mg·L-1) of water extract components

and then cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured by MTT assay and p-nitrophenyl phosphate(PNPP) method respectively

secretions of Ca2+

osteocalcin (OTC) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorhant assay(ELISA)

and osteoblast mineralization nodules were measured by alizarin red staining method. Result: Compared with control group

water extract components of O. corniculata significantly promote proliferation of SaOS-2 cells (P<0.01)

and it can also increase ALP activity in time-dependent manner (P<0.05)

especially at the concentration of 100 mg·L-1(P<0.01). Moreover

it can increase secretion of Ca2+(P<0.05) and OTC(P<0.01)

and significantly promote formation of osteoblast mineralization nodules(P<0.05)at high and medium concentration. Conclusion: Water extract components of O. corniculata can promote proliferation

differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast. These results suggest that O. corniculata can promote bone formation.