The importance of phytoestrogens to human health is currently being actively investigated. Hesperidin, abundantly found in citrus fruits, is known to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, it has been reported that hesperidin inhibits bone loss and decreases serum and hepatic lipids in ovariectomized mice. In our study, to determine the possible role of hesperidin in the regulation of bone metabolism, we observed the effects of hesperidin on the proliferation and activity of osteoblasts, as well as the effects of hesperidin on osteoclast generation and activity. We observed that, when treated with hesperidin, the number and viability of osteoblastic cells increased, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblastic cells increased, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) secretion from MG63 cells decreased. Hesperidin treatment had no effect on the osteoclast generation and activity in the bone marrow cell culture, but decreased the number and resorptive activity of osteoclasts generated from RAW/264.7 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that hesperidin increases the proliferation and activity of osteoblasts, while inhibiting generation and activity of osteoclasts. Although the precise role of hesperidin remains to be elucidated, our study suggests that it is one of the important modulators of bone metabolism.

• Se-Won Kim(Research Institute, Oscotec Inc.) Corresponding author
• Seon-Yle Ko(Dept. of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Dankook University)
• Moon-Seo Bae(Dept. of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Dankook University)