Prevent bone loss from osteoporosis with capillary wormwood

06/19/2019 / By Michelle Simmons

Researchers found a new medicinal plant that can be used to support bone health. A study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that capillary wormwood (Artemisia capillaris) can help prevent bone loss by regulating osteoblast mineralization, osteoclast formation, and bone resorption.

In the study, researchers from Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in South Korea looked at the effect of capillary wormwood (Artemisia capillaris) to prevent bone loss. To do this, they administered a water extract from capillary wormwood to the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced bone loss model.

The administration of capillary woodworm water extract resulted in the prevention of osteoporotic bone loss. The extract increased bone volume and trabecular number and increased trabecular separation. In addition, treatment with capillary wormwood water extract also stimulated osteoblast mineralization from primary osteoblasts. Moreover, capillary wormwood water extract administration significantly suppressed osteoclast formation from bone marrow macrophages.

These results suggested that water extract from capillary wormwood has a beneficial effect on bone loss as it regulated osteoblast mineralization, osteoclast formation, and bone resorption. From these, the researchers concluded that capillary wormwood may be a promising herbal medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporotic bone diseases.

Capillary woodworm is a type of perennial shrub that can group up to 50 centimeters (cm) high. It is commonly found in China, Korea, and Japan. This herbal plant is used as a traditional medicine for hepatitis or bilious disorder. Additionally, some recent studies have found that it has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. (Related: Wormwood, most known for its use in absinthe, found to be highly beneficial in preventing liver cancer.)

Ways to keep your bones strong and healthy

Bone is a living tissue, and the body needs to break down old bone and replace it with new bone tissue to keep bones strong. However, bone mass stops increasing as people age, typically around age 30. When bone mass becomes too low and bone tissue structure deteriorates, osteoporosis occurs. This condition affects about 10.2 million American adults, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Moreover, around 43.4 million have low bone mass. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones strong and healthy. Here are some of them:

Get enough calcium and vitamin D daily: Calcium and vitamin D are the most important nutrients for bone health. Calcium helps strengthen the bones, while vitamin D protects the bones and is needed by the body to absorb calcium. You can get calcium from foods like milk, seeds, cheese, yogurt, sardines, beans and lentils, almonds, collard greens, spinach, rhubarb, edamame and tofu, figs, and amaranth. On the other hand, vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight or eating vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish like herring, swordfish, shiitake mushrooms, and egg yolks.
Do strength training and weight-bearing exercises: Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or yoga, can help enhance bone strength, balance, and flexibility. With weight-bearing exercises like dancing and hiking, you can build your bones and strengthen them.
Avoid smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. Research has shown that tobacco use can lead to reduced bone density.
Do not drink too much alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can result in bone loss, so it is important to limit your consumption. It’s best to drink no more than two to three drinks a day.
Get your bones checked: It is important to get a bone density test to know more about your bone health and if you’re at risk of osteoporosis.