ANTI-OSTEOPOROTIC ACTIVITY OF CUCURBITA PEPO AND LOW LEVEL LASER BEAM ON GLUCOCORTICOID INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS IN RATS

Objective: The main aim of the present study is to investigate the activity of the anti-osteoporotic activity of Cucurbita pepo seed powder (CPSP) and low level laser beam (LLLT) on glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in rat model. Materials and Methods: Animals were randomly divided into six groups containing six rats each (n=6). Group I normal control, Group II dexamethasone induced osteoporotic control (7 mg/kg b.w i.m.), Group III received dexamethasone + LLLT irradiation (180 sec/day daily), Group IV received dexamethasone + CPSP (100 mg/kg b.w p.o), Group V received dexamethasone + sodium alendronate (3 mg/kg b.w p.o), Group VI dexamethasone + CPSP + LLLT. The treatment is made for 8 weeks. On the end of 4^th and 8^th week body weight were recorded, behavioral parameters, locomotar activity using actophotometer and anxiety levels using elevated plus maze (EPM) was studied. Urine parameters (calcium, phosphorous, creatinine), the blood was withdrawn from retro-orbital plexus and the serum was used for the estimation of ALP, calcium, phosphorous, creatinine. At the end of the 8^th week the bone mechanical parameters were measured. Results: CPSP as well as LLLT significantly decreased the increased body weight, improved the locomotar activity and decreased the anxiety levels. Significant reduction in the urine parameters and significant increase in the serum levels of calcium, phosphorous and creatinine was observed along with decreased ALP levels. Significant improvement in biomechanical parameters when compared to group II was observed. Group VI showed improved activity when compared to the singly administered groups proving its synergistic activity. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that, CPSP and LLLT has anti-osteoporotic activity and when given in combination exhibited synergistic activity.