Licochalcone A inhibits the formation and bone resorptive activity of osteoclasts

Licochalcone A on the formation and bone resorptive activity of osteoclasts up to 5 μM significantly inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and formation of osteoclasts without any effect on cell viability. Interestingly, licochalcone A was shown to inhibit the RANKL-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, translocation of NF-κB into nucleus and mRNA expression of Fra-2. Licochalcone A also inhibited the bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts and the expression of bone resorption-related genes. Inhibitory effects of licochalcone A on the formation and bone resorptive activity of mouse bone marrow macrophage-derived osteoclasts were also observed. In conclusion, licochalcone A has the potential to inhibit the formation of osteoclasts as well as the bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts.