Anabolic Effect of Wasabi Leafstalk (Wasabia japonica MATSUM.) Extract on Bone Metabolism in Rats

Abstract

The effect of wasabi leafstalk (Wasabia japonica MATSUM.) extract on bone metabolism in vivo was investigated. The extract was obtained from a homogenate with 20% ethanol and was orally administered 7 times at 24-h intervals (1.0, 10, and 40 mg/100 g body weight) to young rats. Administration of wasabi extract (1.0 and 10 mg/100 g) caused a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and calcium contents in the femoral-metaphyseal tissues; the DNA content was significantly elevated by the dose of 40 mg/100 g. In the femoral-diaphyseal tissues, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content were significantly increased by the administration of 1.0 and 10 mg/100 g, while the DNA content was not appreciably altered. The present study demonstrates that wasabi leafstalk extract has an anabolic effect on bone metabolism in rats in vivo.