The Comparative Effect of Alendronate, Hop Extract and Their Combination on Bone Structural Properties in Rat Model of Osteoporosis

Background/Objectives: New approaches using plant-based extracts are increasingly investigated for osteoporosis treatment, including hop extract, which contains potent compounds that affect bone quality favorably. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of alendronate, standardized hop extract and their combination on bone tissue quality, hematological and biochemical parameters, and markers of bone turnover in a rat model of osteoporosis. Methods: The study was performed on 6 month-old female Wistar rats. Sham operation was done on 10 animals, and bilateral ovariectomy on 60 animals. Ovariectomized animals were divided into 6 groups, one not treated, and the others treated with a low dose of alendronate, high dose of alendronate, hop extract, or a combination of low/high dose of alendronate and hop extract. Quality of bone was assessed using micro-CT imaging. Hematology and serum biochemistry were analyzed using standardized kits, and bone turnover markers using Western blot. Results: Treatment with high-dose alendronate, hop extract, and a combination of low-dose alendronate and hop extract significantly improved bone quality in ovariectomized animals, but high-dose alendronate combined with hop extract had no favorable effect. Hematological and biochemical parameters were mostly unaffected and within normal range. Changes in markers of bone turnover were modest. Conclusions: For the first time, the effect of combined use of alendronate with hop extract was analyzed. The combination of a low-dose alendronate with hop extract produced effects comparable to those observed with high-dose alendronate or hop extract alone. Standardized hop extract could be a valuable addition to current osteoporosis therapy.