subsp. autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. (EASA) is a commonly used medicinal plant for the treatment of fractures, osteoarthritis, back pain, and wound healing in Southern Africa. In this study, the effects of water and acetone extracts of EASA on the viability, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were investigated in vitro. The results showed that both water and acetone extracts of EASA increased cell viability at concentrations between 10 and 50 μg/mL on day 7 and 14 of treatment. Osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of hADSCs were optimal at 5 μg/mL for the water extract and at 5–10 μg/mL for the acetone extract. A 5 μg/mL acetone extract upregulated the expression of the ALP, Runx2, Col1a1, and osteopontin genes. In addition, EASA upregulated β-catenin, cyclin D1, and osteoprotegerin (OPG). The results suggest that EASA may likely upregulate the expression of β-catenin, which subsequently upregulates the osteogenic marker genes through Runx2. However, EASA also upregulates cyclin D1 supporting the growth of precursor cells. Additionally, EASA upregulated the expression of OPG suggesting that it may inhibit bone resorption. The results of this study support the traditional use of the plant in bone healing.
Impact statement
Herbal remedies are used to treat various ailments by almost 80% of the developing world. Eucomis autumnalis is one of the most used medicinal plants in Southern Africa for the treatment of backache, osteoarthritis, and healing of fracture. There is a scarcity of scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of E. autumnalis for fracture repair. This study sought to assess the effect of the crude extracts in vitro and found that E. autumnalis promoted viability and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells as demonstrated by biochemical and genetic markers. This medicinal plant could therefore have potential to regenerate bone tissue.
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