Effects of the aqueous whole plant extract of Peperomia pellucida on fracture healing in rats

CaHReF 2016, Yaoundé Conges hall, 23 – 26 August 2016 , PP22

Justification: Bone fracture is a major health problem in the world. In traditional medicine, some plants like Peperomia pellucida are used to enhance fracture healing process. 

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous whole plant extract of P. pellucida on fracture healing in female rats.

Fractures were induced by drill hole injury to the femur diaphysis using a drill machine. Animal were treated as follow: one control group receiving distilled water and 3 tests groups treated with the plant extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) respectively, two unfractured groups receiving distilled water (10 mL/kg) and the plant extract (400 mg/kg) respectively. Rats were treated daily by gavage during 14 days. Body weight and organs were weighed. Bone and serum biochemical parameters (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (AP) were evaluated and radiological tests carried out.

Fractured rat showed a significant increase in bone calcium and a decrease in serum phosphorus levels associated with a wide fracture gap. At the dose of 100 mg/kg, the extract led to an increase (p<0.01) in bone calcium levels which was significant (p<0.05) for bone phosphorus. At 200 mg/kg, the extract induced an increase (p<0.01) in bone calcium levels. The plant extract at 400 mg/kg showed a significant increase in body weight and, a significant reduction (p<0.05) in bone calcium, serum phosphorus and AP levels. Serum phosphorus levels remained relatively low at this dose. Radiological tests showed a dose dependent formation of callus at the level of the fracture gap.
These results show that, the aqueous extract of P. pellucida could possess osteogenic activities that could accelerate the bone healing process, justifying its traditional use in the treatment of bone fractures.

Peperomia pellucida, drill hole injury, aqueous extract, bone healing