Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds enhancing osteogenesis postinduced-bone fracture

Objectives: This study is aimed to evaluate the role of garden cress seeds (GCS) in osteogenic enhancement in bone fractures induced in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Thirty New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (n = 30) of 6 months of age and weighing 3–4 kg were included in this study. Rabbits were distributed into two main groups, One served as control and the other were subjected to induced transverse diaphyseal fractures of the left femurs. All rabbits were accommodated in cages and permitted to move freely without external support. Wound care, hygienic conditions, diet and behavior were observed and followed up on daily basis. At the end of the study, five rabbits of each subgroup were sacrificed, followed by dissection of the left femurs. Histomorphometric measurements were performed in all microscopic fields at a ×100 using by Leica microscope DM 2500 connected to a camera (Leica DFC 295) and Leica Q win V3 image analysis software. Results: Bone markers analysis revealed that the serum levels of osteopontin and Vitamin D in fractured femur rabbits fed on 6 g GCS showed a significant increase compared to those of untreated fractured femur by the end of the 2^nd phase of the study. The serum levels of Osteocalcin in fractured femur rabbits fed on 12 g GCS showed a significant decrease compared to those of untreated fractured femur at the end of the study. The serum levels of Parathormone and Lactoferrin in fractured femur rabbits fed on 12 g GCS showed a significant increase compared to those of untreated fractured femur at the end of the 2^nd and 3^rd phases of the study accompanied by a significant elevation in liver function test serum levels of fractured femur rabbits fed on 6 g GCS at the end of the 2^nd and 3^rd phases of the study. The histomorphometric evaluation showed marked improvement of fractured femur rabbits fed on 6 and 12 g of GCS as compared to those of untreated fractured femurs. Conclusion: Garden cress seeds could be a promising alternative treatment in bone fracture.