Objective: To observe the effect of Zhuanggu Shenjin capsules (ZSJ) on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectmized rats. Method: Totally 72 SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n=12) and modeling group (n=60). Bilateral ovaries of rats were removed to establish the modeling group

and then the rats in modeling group were further ransomly divided into model group

positive drug+estrogen group

and ZSJ high dose

middle dose and low dose groups (5.42

2.71

1.36 g · kg-1). Each group included 12 rats. The rats received corresponding drug by ig administration for continuous 13 weeks

6 days/week. After the experiment

blood and bone tissues were taken to detect BMD

blood calcium (Ca)

alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)

estradiol (E2)

bone gla protein (BGP) and calcitonin in blood serum. The bone tissue pathology was observed by toluidine blue staining. Result: As compared with sham-operated group

BMD level and serum E2 level were significantly decreased

while serum ALP

TRAP and BGP levels were significantly increased in rats of model group (P<0.05

P<0.01)

uterine coefficient was decreased significantly (P<0.01)

the bone tissue pathological observation showed that the trabecular bone was sparse in rats of model group

with fractures and separation between the trabecular bones

gaps enlarged with arrangement disorder

loose bone lamellar structure

and the characteristic of osteoporosis was obvious. As compared with the model group

ZSJ (high dose

middle dose) could significantly increase the BMD level of the rats (P<0.01)

increase the level of E2 in blood serum (P<0.05)

and reduce ALP

TRAP and BGP levels (P<0.05)

but had no significant effect on the level of blood Ca and CT

the bone tissue pathological observation showed that the bone tissue structure was nearly complete. Conclusion: ZSJ can increase bone mineral density and E2 levels

and improve bone metabolism

thus preventing and treating osteoporosis in rats with ovariectomy.