Inhibitory effects of Lycii fructus water extracts and its active ingredient, zeaxanthin, on receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation
摘要
Lycii fructus (LF) is widely used in traditional Asian medicine and as a dietary supplement due to its potential health benefits. Zeaxanthin (ZEA), a key carotenoid in LF, is crucial in supporting eye health. However, the effects of LF and ZEA on receptor activator of NF-kappaB Ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation were not confirmed. This study evaluated the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of LF water extracts (LFW) and ZEA. LFW and ZEA inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP formation and F-actin rings in BMMs. LFW and ZEA suppressed mRNA and protein expression of c-Fos and NFATc1. LFW and ZEA stimulation also led to the suppression of mRNA expression for osteoclast-specific genes. In MAPK signaling pathways, LFW suppressed ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation, while ZEA only inhibited the JNK pathway. Taken together, LFW and ZEA have the potential to be used as organic functional foods for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases.