Momordica charantia Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Dyslipidemia with Altered Hepatic Glucose Production and Fatty Acid Synthesis and AMPK Phosphorylation in High‐fat‐fed Mice

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) fruit is commonly known as bitter melon. C57BL/6J mice were firstly divided randomly into two groups: the control (CON) group was fed with a low‐fat diet, whereas the experimental group was fed a 45% high‐fat (HF) diet for 8 weeks. Afterwards, the CON group was treated with vehicle, whereas the HF group was subdivided into five groups and still on HF diet and was given orally M. charantia extract (MCE) or rosiglitazone (Rosi) or not for 4 weeks. M. charantia decreased the weights of visceral fat and caused glucose lowering. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major cellular regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. MCE significantly increases the hepatic protein contents of AMPK phosphorylation by 126.2–297.3% and reduces expression of phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose production. Most importantly, MCE decreased expression of hepatic 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydroxygenase (11beta‐HSD1) gene, which contributed in attenuating diabetic state. Furthermore, MCE lowered serum triglycerides (TGs) by inhibition of hepatic fatty acid synthesis by dampening sterol response element binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase mRNA leading to reduction in TGs synthesis. This study demonstrates M. charantia ameliorates diabetic and hyperlipidemic state in HF‐fed mice occurred by regulation of hepatic PEPCK, 11beta‐HSD1 and AMPK phosphorylation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prenylated flavonoid‐standardized extract from seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. activated fat browning in high‐fat diet–induced obese mice

We investigated the effects of the prenylated flavonoid‐standardized extract (PFE) from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. on countering obesity, which increases energy expenditure and stimulates thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). For 12 weeks, C57BL/6 mice were fed a controlled high‐fat diet (HFD) or HFDs with 0.2% or 0.5% w/w PFE. In vitro, the differentiation of 3 T3‐L1 cells was used to elicit thermogenesis in the presence of PFE. PFE obviously reduced body weight and fat mass in a dose‐dependent manner, increased energy expenditure, improved insulin sensitivity, and prevented hepatic steatosis by increasing lipid oxidation and secretion in HFD‐fed mice. Moreover, PFE induced clear browning in sWAT, significantly increased phosphorylation of AMPKα1/2 and p38, increased BAT activity and the differentiation of 3 T3‐L1 by increasing the expression of uncoupling protein 1 and other thermogenic genes. Our study showed that PFE prevented obesity by increasing browning and activating thermogenic genes in sWAT and BAT, improving glucose homeostasis, and protecting hepatic steatosis.     

Gastrodin Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Proinflammatory Response in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through the AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway

This study was designed to investigate the antioxidative, antiinflammatory and metabolism‐regulating effects of gastrodin (GSTD) in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oleic acid (OA) was used to induce steatosis in HL‐7702 cells; a high‐fat or high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet was used to induce NAFLD in mice and rats. Our results showed that GSTD significantly increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) but decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS)/malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines both in vitro and in vivo. GSTD promoted the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) at serine (Ser) 40, stimulated its nuclear translocation and increased hepatic expression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). GSTD activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), suppressed hepatic steatosis, lowered serum triglyceride (TG)/glucose and decreased body weight gain in animals with NAFLD. The stimulating effects of GSTD on the Nrf2 pathway as well as its antioxidative/antiinflammatory activities were abolished by compound C in OA‐treated HL‐7702 cells. In summary, our results demonstrate that GSTD activates the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway, ameliorates oxidative stress/proinflammatory response and improves lipid metabolism in NAFLD. Our findings may support the future clinical application of GSTD for the treatment of NAFLD to reduce hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress and proinflammatory response. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Regulation of obesity and lipid disorders by extracts from Angelica acutiloba root in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and antihyperlipidemic effects of Angelica acutiloba root (Japanese Dong Quai). High‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese rats were treated orally with the polyphenolic‐rich extract of Angelica acutiloba root (AARE) once daily for 8 weeks. The AARE (300 mg/kg per day) supplementation significantly lowered body weight gain, visceral fat‐pad weights and plasma lipid levels, as well as the coronary artery risk index and the atherogenic index of HFD‐fed rats. The AARE caused dose related reductions in the hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents, as well as lowered hepatic lipid droplet accumulation and epididymal adipocyte size in the HFD‐fed rats. The AARE reversed the HFD‐induced down‐regulation of the hepatic peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐α (PPARα). The HFD‐induced decreases of the hepatic protein level of acyl‐CoA oxidase (ACO), and the cytochrome P450 isoform 4A1 (CYP4A1) was up‐regulated by AARE. The elevated expressions of hepatic sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) of HFD‐fed rats were lowered by AARE. These results suggest that AARE attenuated visceral fat accumulation and improved hyperlipidemia in HFD‐induced obesity by increasing lipid metabolism through the down‐regulation of SREBPs and enhanced the expression of ACO and CYP4A1 in the liver, which was likely mediated by up‐regulation of the expression of hepatic PPARα. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

东莨菪素大鼠在体胃、小肠吸收动力学研究

目的：研究东莨菪素在大鼠胃、小肠的吸收特性。方法：采用大鼠在体胃、小肠吸收实验模型，以高效液相色谱法测定灌注液中药物的浓度，紫外分光光度法测定酚红的浓度。结果：东莨菪素在大鼠胃中2 h的吸收百分率为76.31%；东莨菪素在结肠、十二指肠、回肠、空肠的吸收率分别为46.25%，40.54%，38.21%，32.77%；不同质量浓度东莨菪素(10.014 4，20.028 8，40.057 6 mg·L^-1在小肠的吸收速率常数分别为0.643 4，0.613 7，0.597 0 h^-1；不同pH(6.0，6.8，7.4)在小肠的吸收速率常数分别为0.621 7，0.603 3，0.613 7 h^-1。结论：不同质量浓度、pH对东莨菪素在大鼠全肠道的吸收没有显著性影响，药物的吸收呈一级动力学过程，吸收机制主要为被动扩散；东莨菪素在胃肠道均有较好的吸收，结肠为最佳吸收部位，提示适宜制成缓控释制剂。     

Preventive effects of total flavonoids of Litsea coreana leve on hepatic steatosis in rats fed with high fat diet

Aim of the study

To evaluate the protective effects of total flavonoids of Litsea Coreana leve (TFLC) on rat high fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis model.

Materials and methods

Rats were given either a high fat diet alone or the same diet plus TFLC for 4 weeks.

Results

TFLC improved liver histology with reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as decreased the over accumulation lipids in serum and liver. TFLC increased serum levels of leptin and insulin, while decreased serum TNFα level in high fat diet fed rat. Furthermore, TFLC was found increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in high fat diet fed rat liver. These benefits were associated with increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in high fat diet fed rat liver.

Conclusions

TFLC exerts protective effects against hepatic steatosis in rats fed with high fat diet possibly through its antioxidant actions, improving the adipocytokines release and increasing the expression of PPARα.     

Bile acid‐binding activity of young persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit and its hypolipidemic effect in mice

The hypolipidemic effects and bile acid‐binding properties of young persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit were examined. In an animal experiment, male C57BL/6.Cr mice (n = 5) were fed an AIN‐76‐modified high fat diet supplemented with 2% or 5% (w/w) dried young persimmon fruit (YP) for 10 weeks. The intake of YP significantly enhanced fecal bile acid excretion and lowered the concentration of hepatic lipids and plasma cholesterol. Analysis of gene expression in liver tissue showed that 2% or 5% YP up‐regulated the expression of the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2 gene. In the 5% group, there were increased expressions of the genes for cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase and the low‐density lipoprotein receptor. Next, the bile acid‐binding ability of YP was analysed in vitro using cholic acid (CA). In 100–2000 µM CA solutions, 1% (w/v) YP adsorbed approximately 60% of CA, while dried mature persimmon fruit adsorbed approximately 20% of CA. The positive control, cholestyramine, adsorbed approximately 80% of CA in the 100–2000 µM CA solutions. A crude tannin extract from YP, which contained 54.7% condensed tannins, adsorbed approximately 78% of CA in the 2000 µM CA solutions. These results suggest that the ability of YP to bind bile acid contributes to its hypolipidemic effect in mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

降糖消脂胶囊对2型糖尿病大鼠模型的胰岛及肝脏形态学改变的影响

目的:观察降糖消脂胶囊对2型糖尿病大鼠模型的胰岛及肝脏形态学改变的影响,为临床治疗2型糖尿病提供试验依据。方法:采用高糖高脂饮食喂饲大鼠诱发胰岛素抵抗,按25 mg.kg^-1体重2次腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(streptozotoc in,STZ)诱发高血糖症,造成2型糖尿病大鼠模型。将动物分为模型组、高、中、低剂量降糖消脂胶囊治疗组、阳性药二甲双胍组、阳性药金芪降糖片组和正常对照组,连续灌胃给药2个月后杀检,进行胰腺和肝脏形态学观察。结果:模型组和各治疗组均有不同程度的脂肪肝,其中降糖消脂中、低剂量组的肝脂肪变性明显轻于模型组(P<0.05)。降糖消脂高剂量组与模型组比较胰岛数明显增多,差异显著(P<0.05)。结论:降糖消脂胶囊能明显改善2型糖尿病大鼠模型的胰岛病变及肝细胞脂肪变性。     

新降糖颗粒对2型糖尿病大鼠胰岛素抵抗及肝脏GK表达的影响

目的:观察新降糖颗粒对2型糖尿病(type 2 diabetes mellitus,T2DM)大鼠血清空腹胰岛素水平(fasting insulin,FINS),超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD),丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA),C-反应蛋白(C-react protein,CRP)及肝脏葡萄糖激酶(glucokinase,GK)基因的影响,探讨其降糖机制。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组和糖尿病造模组。采用高脂饮食联合小剂量ip链脲佐菌素(STZ)28 mg·kg-1建立2型糖尿病模型,造模成功后大鼠随机分为模型组,新降糖颗粒高、中、低剂量组(22.8,11.4,5.7 g·kg-1),二甲双胍组(0.15 g·kg-1)。正常对照组和模型组给予生理盐水,各给药组分别ig给予相应剂量药物。连续ig 5周后,氧化酶法检测大鼠空腹血糖(fasting blood-glucose,FBG)的变化;ELISA法检测大鼠血清中的FINS,CRP的变化;试剂盒检测大鼠血清中SOD,MDA的水平;RT-qPCR法检测肝脏中GK mRNA的表达。结果:与正常对照组比较,模型组中大鼠的FBG,胰岛素抵抗指数(insulin resistance index,IRI)及血清中FINS,CRP含量均显著升高(P<0.01),血清中SOD活性明显降低(P<0.01),新降糖颗粒高、中、低剂量组FBG,IRI,FINS,CRP活性均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),SOD活性明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01);模型组大鼠肝脏中GK mRNA的表达明显降低(P<0.05),新降糖颗粒中、低剂量组GK mRNA表达量显著升高(P<0.01)。结论:新降糖颗粒能明显降低T2DM大鼠血糖,其可能的作用机制是通过降低糖尿病IRI水平,增强抗氧化应激能力,减轻炎症反应,以及提高肝脏GK mRNA水平而起作用。     

Hepatoprotective Activity of Scutellariae Radix Extract in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet with Chronic Alcohol Exposure

Scutellariae radix (SR) is an herbal medicine used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. To investigate whether the SR water extract has a hepatoprotective effect in mice fed a high fat diet with chronic alcohol consumption, ICR mice were fed one of the following diets: a control diet (CD, 16% fat), a high fat diet (HFD, 40% fat), a high fat diet with either ethanol (HFDE, 25% v/v, ad libitum) alone or ethanol with SR extract (HFDESR, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days, respectively. The combination of high fat diet with ethanol exposure induced hepatic damage that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of functional enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum. Also, the liver and visceral fat weights were increased and the lipid profiles in serum and liver homogenate including triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol were significantly deteriorated. The SR supplements significantly reversed these altered parameters to near the values of the CD mice. Specifically, the expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzymeA (HMG‐CoA) reductase in liver homogenate was significantly lowered in the HFDESR group compared with that of either the HFD or HFDE groups, which revealed that the SR extract could afford protection in the alleviation of high fat and alcoholic liver damage. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fucoidan Prevents High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity in Animals by Suppression of Fat Accumulation

This study examines the antiobesity effects of fucoidan in an animal model of diet‐induced obesity. Mice were fed a standard diet or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks. After that, the mice were divided into four experimental groups, with 10 mice per group, including a standard diet group, HFD group, HFD containing 1% fucoidan (HFD + FUCO 1%) group and HFD containing 2% fucoidan (HFD + FUCO 2%) group. The fucoidan supplementation group had significantly decreased body‐weight gain, food efficiency ratio and relative liver and epididymal fat mass compared with the HFD group. The mice supplemented with fucoidan showed significantly reduced triglyceride, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels in the plasma. Liver steatosis induced by the HFD improved in the fucoidan‐supplemented group. Furthermore, fucoidan affected the down‐regulation expression patterns of epididymal adipose tissue genes such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, adipose‐specific fatty acid binding protein and acetyl CoA carboxylase. Therefore, fucoidan may be considered for use in improving obesity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

三七对酒精性肝病大鼠肝组织NF-κB/IκB表达的影响

 目的观察三七对酒精性大鼠肝组织的防治及对NF-κB/IκB表达的影响。方法SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组,模型组、三七高、低剂量组和硫普罗宁组,连续14周建立酒精性肝病模型。在模型制备同时,每天下午分别灌服给药,连续14周。ELISA法检测肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)。常规HE及Masson染色,光镜观察肝组织的脂肪变、炎症及纤维化程度;免疫组化法检测肝组织中NF-κBp65/IκBα蛋白的表达。结果酒精性肝病模型组大鼠肝组织脂肪变及炎症程度计分、血清TNF-α水平明显增高(P<0.01)。三七高、低剂量组,硫普罗宁组大鼠肝组织脂肪变及炎症程度、血清TNF-α水平较模型组明显减轻(P<0.01,P<0.05)。酒精性肝病模型组大鼠肝组织NF-κBp65和IκBα均较正常组明显升高(P<0.01);三七高、低剂量组大鼠肝组织NF-κBp65/IκBα表达较模型组明显降低(P<0.01,P<0.05)。相关分析显示,肝组织NF-κBp65表达与肝组织炎症程度计分呈正相关(r=0.63,P<0.01),与血清TNF-α水平呈正相关(r=0.43,P<0.01);肝组织IκBα表达与肝组织炎症程度计分呈正相关(r=0.36,P<0.05),与血清TNF-α水平呈正相关(r=0.44,P<0.01);血清TNF-α水平与与肝组织炎症程度计分呈正相关(r=0.60,P<0.01)。结论用白酒-玉米油-吡唑混合液灌服大鼠14周可成功制作ALD模型。三七可明显减轻酒精性肝病大鼠肝组织脂肪变和炎症程度。三七能显著抑制肝组织中NF-κBp65/IκBα的过度表达,降低血清TNF-α水平,这可能是其有效防治酒精性肝病的发生发展的重要机制之一。     

黄芪葛根汤对实验性糖尿病及胰岛素抵抗的影响

目的:观察黄芪葛根汤对实验性糖尿病及胰岛素抵抗(IR)的影响。方法:建立链脲佐菌素(STZ)ip所致糖尿病小鼠模型,sc氢化可的松琥珀酸钠(HCSS)诱导的IR小鼠模型,以及采用给大鼠1次ip小剂量链脲佐菌素(STZ),并加饲高热量饮食(富含脂肪和蔗糖),制备2型糖尿病(T2DM)伴胰岛素抵抗(IR)大鼠模型,观察黄芪葛根汤对糖脂代谢以及IR的影响。结果:黄芪葛根汤降低糖尿病小鼠的空腹血糖(FBG),提高糖耐量(OGTT),改善小鼠对胰岛素的敏感性。黄芪葛根汤能显著降低2型糖尿病胰岛素抵抗大鼠的FBG,提高OGTT,降低高胰岛素水平,提高胰岛素耐量,增加胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)和降低IR指数(HOMA-IR)指数。同时,黄芪葛根汤还可调节血脂、下调血清中游离脂肪酸(FFA)的水平。结论:黄芪葛根汤通过改善糖脂代谢、提高胰岛素的敏感性,发挥其治疗糖尿病及胰岛素抵抗的作用。     

Evaluation of the antithyroid, antioxidative and antihyperglycemic activity of scopoletin from Aegle marmelos leaves in hyperthyroid rats

Scopoletin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin) was isolated from the leaves of Aegle marmelos and evaluated for its potential to regulate hyperthyroidism, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycemia in levo-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroid rats. Scopoletin (1.00 mg/kg, p.o.) administered daily for 7 days to levo-thyroxine-treated animals decreased the levels of serum thyroid hormones and glucose as well as hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity, demonstrating its potential to regulate hyperthyroidism and hyperglycemia. Scopoletin also inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Compared with the standard antithyroid drug, propylthiouracil, scopoletin exhibited a superior therapeutic activity, since unlike propylthiouracil, it also inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation. These findings indicate that scopoletin has the potential to inhibit thyroid function and hyperglycemia without hepatotoxicity.     

九味肝泰胶囊对高脂饮食诱导大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝的治疗作用

目的研究九味肝泰胶囊对高脂饮食诱导的大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)的治疗作用和可能机制。方法采用高脂饮食诱导大鼠NAFLD动物模型。设对照组,模型组,水飞蓟素阳性对照组(0.05 g/kg),九味肝泰胶囊高、中、低剂量(1.80、0.90、0.45g/kg)组。除对照组给予普通饲料饲养外,其他各组以高脂饲料喂养,饲养10周。从第5周开始,4个给药组分别ig给予相应药物,共给药6周。观察和检测大鼠体质量、肝湿质量、肝脏指数和肝脏形态学变化;检测血清中的高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(HDL-C)、游离脂肪酸(FFA)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)水平;检测肝脏组织中总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)水平。结果与模型组比较,九味肝泰胶囊高、中剂量组能显著降低NAFLD大鼠血清中的FFA、AST、ALT水平(P0.05),升高HDL-C水平(P0.05);显著降低NAFLD大鼠肝脏组织中的TC、TG、MDA水平(P0.05),升高SOD的活性(P0.05);NAFLD大鼠的肝组织病理学形态均得到不同程度改善,大鼠肝组织脂肪变程度减轻。结论九味肝泰胶囊对NAFLD大鼠具有调节脂质和保护肝脏的作用,其作用机制可能与减少脂质在肝脏的沉积、减轻过氧化损伤有关。     

Influence of quercetin-rich onion peel extracts on adipokine expression in the visceral adipose tissue of rats

We examined the effects of quercetin‐rich onion peel extract supplementation on adipokine expressions from adipose tissues in a diet‐induced obese animal model. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 24) were randomly assigned into control (n = 8), high fat diet (HF, n = 8) and high fat diet with onion peel extract (HFOE, n = 8). After 8 weeks, serum biochemical parameters, weights of adipose tissues (epididymal, perirenal and mesenteric fats) and adipokine mRNA levels (adiponectin, IL (interleukin)‐6 and visfatin) along with PPAR (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor) γ2 from adipose tissues were measured. After the 8 week supplementation, mesenteric fat weights were lower in the HFOE group than the HF group (p < 0.05). Adiponectin mRNA levels (mesenteric fats) were remarkably higher in the HFOE group than the other groups (p < 0.05 for both). Levels of PPARγ2 mRNA (mesenteric fats) were significantly higher in the HF group (p < 0.05) than those in the control group, but those in the HFOE group were not different from those in the control group. The IL‐6 mRNA levels (perirenal and mesenteric fats) were higher in the HF and HFOE groups, but those in the HFOE group were slightly lower than those in the HF group. In conclusion, quercetin‐rich onion peel extract supplementation influenced adipokine expressions, particularly from mesenteric fat, addressing the modulatory effect of this substance on obesity‐induced inflammation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Eriobotrya japonica improves hyperlipidemia and reverses insulin resistance in high‐fat‐fed mice

The effect of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. (loquat) on insulin resistance was examined in mice fed a high‐fat (HF) diet. First, the mice were divided randomly into two groups: the control (CON) group was fed a low‐fat diet, whereas the experimental group was fed with a 45% HF diet for 10 weeks. After 6 weeks of induction, the HF group was subdivided into five groups and was given orally loquat or not for 4 weeks afterward. It was demonstrated that loquat was effective in ameliorating the HF diet‐induced hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, as well as in decreasing the levels of free fatty acid (FFA), but increasing the adipose PPARγ (peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptor γ) and hepatic PPARα mRNA levels. Loquat significantly decreased the body weight gain, weights of white adipose tissue and visceral fat accompanying the suppressed leptin mRNA levels. Loquat not only suppressed the hepatic mRNA levels of enzymes involved in fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis and lowered the sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) mRNA level, but also affected fatty acid oxidation enzyme levels. These regulations may contribute to triacylglycerol accumulation in white adipose tissue. The findings provide a nutritional basis for the use of loquat as a functional food factor that may have benefits for the prevention of hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Scopoletin‐standardized Morinda elliptica leaf extract suppressed inflammation and cartilage degradation to alleviate osteoarthritis: A preclinical study

The effect of scopoletin‐standardized Morinda elliptica leaf extract against osteoarthritis was investigated in ex vivo explant culture and preclinical rodent model. Thirty male rats were grouped (n = 6) into untreated osteoarthritis (OA), OA + Diclofenac (5 mg/kg), and OA + extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and compared with healthy control. Monosodium iodoacetate were injected into the right intra‐articular knee joints to induce OA. The rats were evaluated for OA severity via physical (micro‐CT and histological observations), biochemical, ELISA, and mRNA expression analysis (for inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers), after 28 days of treatment. The extract suppressed glycosaminoglycan release from the cartilage explant in the presence of Interleukin‐1β. The 200 mg/kg dose appeared better than 400 mg/kg dose, at reducing cartilage and subchondral bone erosions in OA‐induced rats, by significantly down‐regulating the collagenases and aggrecanase. The extract dose‐dependently reduced serum inflammation biomarkers and increased bone formation biomarkers to near normal levels in the OA‐induced rats. M. elliptica leaf scopoletin‐standardised extract alleviated OA progression and articular cartilage structure, by ameliorating cartilage degradation, nitric oxide levels, inflammation, bone /cartilage homeostasis, collagenase/aggrecanase activities, chondrocytes survival, subchondral bone structure and integrity.