The Mixture Aqueous Extracts from Oxalis corniculata L. and Acmella caulirhiza Delile Accelerates Bone Healing in Fractured Rats

Background: Bone fracture is a condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone due to traumatic or pathological factors. Fracture management includes orthopedic, surgical, non-surgical techniques and drug treatments. However, these treatments possess a limitation. Facilitating bone healing process reduce the cost, the time of treatment and is also beneficial for a quick recovery of the patient. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the mixture aqueous extracts from Oxalis corniculata and Acmella caulirhiza on the bone formation.

Methodology: Wistar female rats were fractured using a drill machine by inserting a drill bit in the femur diaphysis. Fractured animals were subdivided into five groups. One group receiving palm oil, four groups receiving the mixture of plant extracts at the doses of 150, 300, 600 mg/kg or diclofenac at the dose of 357 mg/kg. Substances were given via percutaneous and oral routes for two weeks. At the end of the experimental period, bones were collected and homogenized for the evaluation of the following biochemical parameters: alkaline phosphatase (ALP); reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrites, superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-1β and interleukin-6. Moreover, histomorphometry of the bone at the fracture site was realized.

Results: Percutaneous treatment with the plant extracts resulted in a significant increase of ALP activity (p<0.05) in fractured rats as compared to the control. The mixture extracts also alleviated the fracture-induced oxidative stress by increasing the concentrations of GSH and nitrites; SOD and catalase activities. Furthermore, the plant extracts improved deregulated cytokines observed in fractured bone. Histopathological examination showed a more pack-like structure
with a significant decrease in trabeculae number, trabecular interspace with the increase in the bone thickness.

Conclusion: The mixture aqueous extracts from Oxalis corniculata and Acmella caulirhiza possesses bone healing effect due to its ability to alleviate oxidative stress, regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve the structure of the new bone formed.