Osteogenesis effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) hydroalcoholic extract in mouse embryos

Ginger in Iranian traditional medicine is known as an effective plant in reducing menopausal symptoms and treating osteoporosis. Therefore, in this study, the effects of ginger on the skeletal system in the fetus and the level of bone formation factors in the mice were investigated.

In this study, 40 pregnant Balb/c mice were equally divided into four groups 1) control group 2) group receiving 100 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract orally, 3) group receiving 500 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract orally and 4) group receiving 1000 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract orally. Alizarin Red S and Alcian Blue staining methods were used to examine the embryo skeletal system. Osteogenesis length and bony area of femur and tibia as well as the length, width, and height of the skull in the embryos were measured. Blood samples were taken on the 19th day of pregnancy to evaluate bone formation factors in pregnant mice and biochemical factors were measured in blood samples.

Evaluations showed that the length of femur and tibia and osteogenesis index in the treated groups relatively increased compared to the control group. Biochemical studies showed a significant increase in calcium, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase levels in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract compared to the control group.

The results of this study showed that ginger hydroalcoholic extract can be effective in increasing osteogenesis in the embryos and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in mothers.