The effect of a novel botanical agent on early osteogenic response of osteoblasts

Abstract

A mixture of Panax notoginseng and Rehmannia glutinosa libosch (BT-301) is a synthetically developed novel botanical agent having anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have shown that BT-301 prevents the destruction of periodontal tissue by inhibiting the secretion of several cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6). It was also reported that Panax notoginseng and Rehmannia glutinosa libosch have a positive influence on osteoblastic cells. However, related literatures on Panax notoginseng and Rehmannia glutinosa libosch are rare. This study aimed to evaluate the cell proliferation and osteogenic effects of BT-301 on osteoblastic cells. In dose and time kinetic studies performed, MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in α-MEM medium were treated with varying concentrations of BT-301 (control, 0.156, 0.312, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 mg/ml), and incubated for 1, 3, and 5 days. Cell proliferation was assessed by the MTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MC3T3-E1 cells was measured on day 7. Results show that MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to BT-301 at 0.156 mg/ml and 0.312 mg/ml concentrations, showed greater cell proliferation on day 3 (p<0.05). We conclude that correct exposure to the optimal concentration of BT-301 has a positive effect on bone healing.