The effect of a marine alga, Padina pavonica, on Maltese menopausal women

Abstract

Padina pavonica is a brown marine alga capable to deposit calcium on its fronds. Padina pavonica increases the ability of osteoblast in cell culture to fix calcium. Aims: To investigate the effect that Padina pavonica or its extract may exert on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women suffering from osteopenia or osteoporosis. To establish the appropriate daily dose, and to assess any side effects. Material and Methods: In Phase I 40 postmenopausal women were recruited and randomised into four equal groups. One of four different doses (0 mg, 200mg, 400mg, 600mg/daily) of the lyophilised Padina pavonica was prescribed. The change in bone mineral density after 12 months of treatment was measured. The change in bonetumover markers was also assessed after 3 months of treatment. In Phase II another 40 menopausal women were recruited and randomised into two groups. Twenty patients were given capsules containing Padina pavonica Extract (200mg) and Calcium Carbonate (450mg). The other twenty women were given only Calcium. The change in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and the hip was assessed after 12 months of treatment. In Phase Ill, 30 menopausal women where recruited and randomised into two groups. Fifteen patients were given 200mg lyophilised plant powder while the other 15 acted as controls. Bone mineral density change was assessed after 12 months. Forty menopausal women were enrolled and randomised into two groups in Phase IV. One group was treated with Padina pavonica Extract (200mg) with the other 20 acting as controls. In all phases any oestrogen-like effect was monitored by endometrial thickness and with changes in Maturation Index of a cervical/vaginal cytology. Side effects and blood parameters were monitored every 3 months. Abstract Results: Phase I results showed a statistically significant increase in bone density at the hip in the patients taking 200mg Padina pavonica daily (p=0.002). The group having 400mg daily had a statistically significant increase in bone mineral density in both regions, (Lumbar spine p=0.016, Femur neck =0.028). In Phase Il there was no increase in bone mineral density at either site. In Phase III the bone mineral density increased at both sites (Lumbar spine p=0.007, Femur neck p=0.004). The bone mineral density in Phase IV at the lumbar spine and the femur neck was also statistically significant from baseline after 12 months of treatment (Lumbar spine p=0.033, Femur neck =0.024). The bone markers in Phase I also showed a tendency to bone formation but none of the results attained statistical significance. Conclusions: Both the extract and the lyophilised powder of Padina pavonica appears to improve the bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and at the hip.