Objective: To study the effects of geraniin on the osteogenic gene expression of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) during osteogenic induction. Method: BMSCs were isolated from mice bones

and cultured with different concentration of geraniin (1×10-9

1×10-8

1×10-7 mol·L-1). The blank group was also set up. After 7

14 days of osteogenic induction

the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

and osteocalcin (OCN) content were detected

and ALP staining was performed. Alizarin red staining was adopted to detect calcium deposits on 21 d. Real-time PCR and Western blot were applied to detect the changes in expressions of osteoblast differentiation marker genes OCN

ALP

bone sialoprotein(BSP)

Runx2. Result: At 7

14 d of osteogenic induction

geraniin groups showed significant increases in ALP activity

OCN content and ALP staining intensity

compared with control group (P<0.05). At 21 d of osteogenic induction

geraniin groups showed significant increases in the number of mineralized nodule

and the mRNA and protein expressions of OCN

ALP

BSP and Runx2 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Geraniin could induce osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Osteoblast differentiation marker genes OCN

ALP

BSP and Runx2 participate in this process.