KOR 
Abstract: A polyphenolic extract from melon (Cucumis melo L.), as a potential source of natural
antioxidants, has been reported to have a positive e ect on osteoblast activity. In this study,
the protective e ects of heat-treated melon extract (ECO-A) on bone strength, mineralization,
and metabolism were examined in osteoporotic rat models. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy
(OVX) in female rats and then maintained for 8 weeks, along with the ingestion of phosphate-buffered
saline (PBS, OVXP) or ECO-A (OVXE) for an additional 4 weeks. At a pre-determined timepoint,
bone strengths, as well as bone mineral contents (BMC) and the density (BMD) of femurs and/or
lumbar spines extracted from each animal, were measured by a mechanical test and dual-energy
X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. Moreover, several biochemical markers for bone turnover were
analyzed by respective colorimetric assay kits in addition to clinical analyses. The maximum load
and stiffness of femurs from the OVXE group were found to be significantly higher than the other
groups. Furthermore, the OVXE group showed significantly higher BMC, BMD, and bone volume
than the OVX and OVXP groups, which were comparable to the non-OVX (sham) group. The levels
of bone formation and resorption markers in the OVXE group were similar to the sham group,
but significantly di erent from other groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that ECO-A can
play potentially positive roles in the protection of bone loss in rats with OVX-induced osteoporosis.
Bone study, Osteoporosis, Bone metabolism, Preclinical DXA, InAlyzer
