Abstract

IN SILICO TOXICITY AND PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF GARDENIA SOKOTENSIS ON OSTEOPOROSIS INDUCED IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

Ouédraogo Elisabeth, Tindano Basile, Zabre Généviève, Owona Pascal Emmanuel, Da Filkpièrè Léonard, Sana Abdoul Dramane, Sawadogo Touwendé Aimée, Ouedraogo Nomawendé Joachim Armel and Bayala Balé

ABSTRACT

Menopause induced estrogen loss leads to significant reductions in bone mineral density, increased bone resorption due to hyperactive osteoclasts, and alterations in lipid metabolism. These changes also lead to oxidative stress, metabolic imbalances, and increased risk of fractures. Conventional anti-osteoporotic pharmaceutics are effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of osteoporosis. However they are associated with various side effects that push many women into seeking medicinal plants as an alternative therapy. This study explores the effect of Gardenia sokotensis extract in alleviating postmenopausal osteoporosis and to evaluate the toxicity by using in silico techniques. Treatment with G. sokotensis extract to ovariectomized rats for 42 days demonstrated multiple benefits, including improved lipid profiles by reducing significantly (p<0.001) cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and increasing HDL. The extract enhanced significantly (p<0.001)antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing oxidative stress caused by estrogen deficiency. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties, due to active compounds like Gallic acid, attenuated inflammation by lowering significantly (p<0.001) pro-inflammatory cytokines. The extract also significantly improved (p<0.001) bone health markers, such as calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels, and subsequently reducing bone resorption and supporting bone regeneration. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable interactions between extract compounds and key enzymes like Caspase, supporting its therapeutic potential. With excellent pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. G. sokotensis extract emerges as a promising and safe alternative for addressing osteoporosis and metabolic complications in postmenopausal women.

Keywords: osteoporosis, Gardenia sokotensis, ovariectomized rats, in silico toxicity, molecular docking.