Effect of Extracts from Safflower Seeds on Osteoblastic Differentiation and Intracellular Free Calcium Concentration in MC3T3-E1 Cells

Effect of Extracts from Safflower Seeds on Osteoblastic Differentiation and Intracellular Free Calcium Concentration in MC3T3-E1 Cells

Very little research has been carried out on safflower seed for the prevention and treatment of the bone deficiency diseases, including osteoporosis, which are supported by scientific evidences. In the present study, 3μl of 0.1% dried crude extract or 2μl of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction were shown to significantly accelerate the rate of differentiation of osteoblast. Also, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca<SUP>2&#8290;</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB> of the cultured osteoblast cells: 3μl of 0.1% dried crude extract and 2μl of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction significantly increased the [Ca<SUP>2&#8290;</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB> of the cultured osteoblast cells (8&#8275;10<SUP>4</SUP>) to the extent that it deserves a considerable attention. Furthermore, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca<SUP>2&#8290;</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB> of the cultured osteoblast cells, and 300μM Cd<SUP>2&#8290;</SUP>, specific calcium channel blocker, completely blocked the increase. Therefore, the increased [Ca<SUP>2&#8290;</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB> of the cultured osteoblast cells by safflower seed component continued to activate calcium channel.