Evaluation of the Effects of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Oleo-Gum-Resin and Its Nanocapsulated Form on Biomechanical Properties and Bone Density in a Rat Model of Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis

Abstract

Background: Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleo-gum-resin as a herbal medicine has been claimed to be effective for treating bone disorders in traditional Persian medicine and has been used by traditional practitioners and regional healers, especially in the west of Iran, to manage osteoporosis and fractures for a long time. Since no study has been performed on the effects of P. atlantica (Pistacia atlantica) oleo-gum-resin on bone and bone-related disorders, the present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of standardized resin in the ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rat model. Materials and Methods: The essential oil of P. atlantica oleo-gum-resin was analyzed by gas chromatography. Osteoporosis was induced in rats by ovariectomy. For eight weeks, three doses of gum and its encapsulated form (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were given through gavage to ovariectomized rats. The body weight, serum biochemical parameters including Calcium (Ca) and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Hounsfield Unit (HU) of bone, and bone biomechanical properties were measured and compared with positive control (0.1 mg/kg/day alendronate). Results: Alpha-pinene was detected as the main constituent of oleo-gum-resin with a concentration of 127.479 mg/mL. All three doses of gum and its encapsulated form significantly improved serum calcium and biomechanical properties of bone and decreased alkaline phosphatase compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Only encapsulated form at 200 mg/kg doses resulted in Hounsfields improvement. The nanocapsulated form showed better results on the investigated parameters than the fresh gum. Conclusions: P. atlantica demonstrated osteoprotective effects, probably due to the high content of Alpha-pinene. Clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness in managing postmenopausal osteoporosis.