Abstract

Er-Zhi-Wan (EZW), a famous traditional Chinese formula, which is comprised of the aerial parts of Eclipta prostrate L. (EP) (Astraceae) and the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (FLL) (Oleaceae) has been developed as a restorative formula for hundreds of years. It is widely used to prevent and treat various kidney diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of volatile components and ethanolic extract from EZW on the proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts by the MTT method and measuring the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Both ethanolic extract and volatile components from EZW could significantly (p<0.01) stimulate the proliferation and increase the ALP activity of primary osteoblasts. The volatile components of EZW were analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 61 compounds, which were the major part (about 86.34%) of the volatiles were identified by matching mass spectra with a mass spectrum library (NIST 05.L) and retention indexes (RI) of the compounds reported on equivalent column.

Key words: Er-Zhi-Wan (EZW), volatile compounds, osteoblasts, GC-MS.