Abstract

Labisia Pumila (LP) or more commonly known as Kacip Fatimah in Malaysia, has received much attention due to its estrogenic effects, including its role in treatment of osteoporosis. This study was designed to explore the active compound of LP that may be responsible for its anti-osteoporotic effects. Crude aqueous extract of Labisia Pumila var alata (LPva) was fractionated into hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (Met) solvents and their proliferative effects on mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) was evaluated with MTS bioassay. The DCM fraction significantly promoted cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on the DCM fraction of LPva to separate the constituents and the potential active compound was identified. Further isolation was achieved by column chromatography (CC) and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The bioactivity of the isolated compound was confirmed by its ability to replicate MC3T3-E1 accelerated proliferation and differentiation. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) identified the active compound as demethylbelamcandaquinone B. Further studies are required to determine the potential of this active compound of LPva in treating osteoporosis.

Key words: active compound, Labisia pumila, osteoporosis, osteoblasts