Azadirachta indica triterpenoids promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro and in vivo

Terpenoids were isolated using chromatographic purification through solvent purification technique and identified as Azadirone (1), Epoxyazadiradione (2) Azadiradione (3) Gedunin (4) Nimbin (5) Salannin (6) Azadirachtin A (7) and Azadirachtin B (8) from Azadirachta indica. Out of eight compounds, only three compounds had osteogenic activity and enhanced osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization in osteoblast cells. Active compounds stimulated osteogenic genes ALP, RunX-2 and OCN expressions in vitro, but Azadirachtin A had a maximum ability to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and mineralization compared to other two active compounds. For in vivo study, Azadirachtin A injected subcutaneously in pups, which enhanced osteogenic gene expressions and promoted bone formation rate significantly. Here, we conclude that active compounds of Azadirachta indica have osteogenic activity and Azadirachtin A has a beneficial effects on bone.

Graphical abstractSchematic diagram outlining the novel triterpenoids isolated from Azadirachta indica by chromatographic techniques, have osteogenic activity. Out of eight compounds, only three compounds Azadirone, Azadirachtin A and Azadirachtin B have osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization ability. Azadirachtin A is most promising molecule which enhances gene expression and bone formation in vivo.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide