Protective Effect of Corn Silk on Osteoporosis: A Review on its Mechanism and Recommendations

Ankita Sharma, Jyoti Singh, Prasad Rasane, Diksha Goyal and Sezai Ercisli

Abstract

Osteoporosis is the low bone mineral density and continuous deterioration of bone tissue, which makes bones prone to fractures. It’s caused by the imbalance in the bone remodeling processes, with increased activity of osteoclasts. Factors like being underweight, diabetes, obesity, genetics, physical activity, and alcohol consumption with dietary history affect osteoporosis’s occurrence and severity. Hyperglycemia stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end product (AGE) which increases oxidative stress and results in abnormal bone homeostasis. Corn silk extract is proven to repair the injured β-cells, increase insulin levels, and give a hypoglycemic effect. Obesity can cause an increase in inflammatory cytokines which activate osteoclasts, deterioration of osteoblasts, a mutation in fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene and an increase in the formation of fat cells in the bone marrow. Corn silk contains maysin which has an anti-adipogenic agent that can reduce lipid accumulation in the cell and decrease the rate of adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by decreased estrogen production and ageing. Some of the flavonoids present in corn silk are found to act as phytoestrogens and can mimic the action of estrogen in the post-menopausal period, reducing the activity of osteoclasts. The severity of inflammation in the gut and malabsorption in the intestine can result in a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium, leading to negative effects on bone health. Corn silk contains magnesium, which helps to regulate the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Additionally, its crude ethanolic extract shows a TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) antagonistic activity which helps stop inflammation. This current review focuses on different mechanisms through which corn silk can be used for the management of osteoporosis.

Published on: October 31, 2023
doi: 10.17756/jfcn.2023-s1-025
Citation: Sharma A, Singh J, Rasane P, Goyal D, Ercisli S. 2023. Protective Effect of Corn Silk on Osteoporosis: A Review on its Mechanism and Recommendations. J Food Chem Nanotechnol 9(S1): S195-S203.

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