Authors
- Zahra Hassanzadeh Rostami, MSc
- Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari, Ph.D
- Mohammad Jafar Emami, MD
- Abdolreza Rajaeefard, Ph.D
Abstract
Background: Phytoestrogens enhance bone integrity
through prevention of bone loss and stimulation of bone formation, and also facilitation
of bone healing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitex agnus castus extract, as a source of phytoestrogen on alkaline phosphatase and
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and also callus formation in women
with long bone fractures. Methods: In a double-blind randomized placebo
controlled trial, 32 women with long bone fracture, age 20-45 years old, were
randomly divided into the VAC (vitex agnus
castus), receiving 1 Agnugol tablet (containing 4 mg dried fruit
extract of vitex agnus castus)-daily for 8 weeks or a placebo group. Serum alkaline
phosphatase and VEGF were measured at the beginning and the end point, and also
callus formation was checked at the end of study. Results: Serum alkaline phosphatase was increased
in both groups compared to the baseline. Although the elevation of ALP
(Alkaline phosphatase) in placebo group was not significant, in treatment
group, ALP was considerably increased (p=.05). Comparison of the change of VEGF
showed that, only in VAC group, VEGF level was significantly increased (p < /i>=.01).
The callus formation which revealed the fracture healing, in VAC and control
groups was 71.4% and 53.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Treatment with vitex agnus castus extract for 2 months could enhance the VEGF
level, however, further studies are need to show the effects of vitex agnus castus extract on alkaline phosphatase
level and callus formation.
Keywords
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