Effect of nux vomica on fracture healing in rabbits

Li Chang-lei; Ma Bao-miao; Liu Wei; Chen Xiao-qing; Yi Hui-ling; Shu Xi-ji

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.11.002

Abstract：BACKGROUND:The main active ingredient of nux vomica is total alkaloids that can activate meridian to stop pain, reduce sweling, excite stomach and cool blood, and also have some pharmacological effects on the nervous system and cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of nux vomica on the fracture healing process of experimental rabbits. METHODS: Rabbit models of radius fracture were established and then randomized into drug administration group and control group, with 10 animals in each group. At room temperature, the nux vomica powder mixed suspension was administrated into the rabbits in the drug administration group, while the normal saline was administrated into the rabbits in the control group, once a day. X-ray examination was performed at 7, 14, 28 days after administration to compare the fracture healing between the two groups. Blood samples from ear vein were taken at 14 and 28 days after drug administration for serological comparison to analyze the concentration changes of serum alkaline phosphatase and trace elements including Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Rabbit bone X-ray examinations results showed that compared with the control group, the fracture healing of the drug administration group was faster. The concentration of serum alkaline <br> phosphatase of rabbits in the drug administration group at 14 days and 28 days after drug administration were higher than that before drug administration and in the control group at the same time respectively (P < 0.05). The serum Fe concentration of rabbits in the control group at 28 days after normal saline administration was higher than that before normal saline administration (P < 0.05). The serum Ca and Zn levels of rabbits in the drug administration group at 14 days and 28 days after drug administration were higher than those before drug administration and the control group at the same time, respectively (P < 0.05). The Mg and Fe levels of rabbits in the drug administration group at 14 days after drug administration were significantly higher than those before drug administration and those in the control group at the same time, respectively (P < 0.01,P < 0.05). The Fe level of rabbits in the drug administration group at 28 days after drug administration was significantly higher than that before drug administration (P< 0.01). Nux vomica can increase the alkaline phosphatase and trace elements levels, and play a promoting role in the process of healing.