Can Mango Reverse Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice?

Abstract

After menopause or surgically induced menopause, estrogen deficiency results in a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory environment which increases bone resorption and hence, fracture risk. Mango, a fruit rich in phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals may help mediate hormone-related bone loss. This study examined the dose- dependent effects of mango on the reversal of bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into one of four dietary treatment groups (n=8/group) for eight weeks: SHAM - control diet; OVX - control diet; OVX - 5% or 25% (wt/wt) dried mango diet. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole body, lumbar, and tibia of mice in the mango diets were lower than that of SHAM animals (P < 0.0001) but were not different from the OVX-control. Similarly, bone micro-architecture and strength parameters of mice receiving the mango diets mice were not statistically different from OVX control and were inferior to the SHAM-control group. Although the mango diets were not able to reverse bone loss in OVX mice, it modulated body weight from week 5 through week 8 and % body fat (P < 0.0001) despite similar food intake patterns among OVX mice.