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.
