Machilin A isolated from Myristica fragrans stimulates osteoblast differentiation.

This study evaluated the stimulatory effects of machilin A and structurally related lignans isolated from MYRISTICA FRAGRANS on osteoblast differentiation. In two IN VITRO osteoblast differentiation models, machilin A stimulated osteoblast differentiation via activation of p38 MAP kinase. Lignans isolated from MYRISTICA FRAGRANS also stimulated osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells; the lignans included macelignan, machilin F, nectandrin B, safrole, licarin A, licarin B, myristargenol, and meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid. These data suggest that lignans isolated from MYRISTICA FRAGRANS have anabolic activity in bone metabolism. ALP:alkaline phosphatase COLI:type I collagen MAP:mitogen-activated protein OCN:osteocalcin OPN:osteopontin