Marine Alga Sargassum Horneri Component And Bone Homeostasis: Role In Osteoporosis Prevention

Bone homeostasis is maintained through a balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Aging induces bone loss due to decreased osteoblastic bone formation and increased osteoclastic bone resorption. Osteoporosis with its accompanying decrease in bone mass is widely recognized as a major public heath problem. Nutritional factors may play a role in the prevention of bone loss with aging. Among marine algae of Undaria pinnatifida, Sargassum horneri, Eisenia bicyclis, Cryptonemia scmitziana, Gelidium amansii, and Ulva pertusa Kjellman which were gathered seasonally, Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) was found to have a unique anabolic effect on bone components. S. horneri extract had a stimulatory effect on osteoblastic bone formation and an inhibitory effects on osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro, thereby increasing bone mass. The intake of S. horneri extract caused a preventive effect on bone loss in animal models for osteoporosis and in healthy human. S. horneri extract, which is a functional food, may be usefulness as an osteogenic factor in preventing osteoporosis in human subjects.