Effect of <italic>Corni Fructus</italic> Extract on the Inhibition of Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation by High Glucose

Objectives: This study investigated the potential of an ethanol extract of <i>Corni Fructus</i> (EECF) to prevent diabetic osteoporosis using an osteoblast model under hyperglycemic conditions.Methods: The effects of EECF on high glucose-induced oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation were evaluated in MC3T3-E1 cells.Results: EECF significantly reduced high glucose-induced cytotoxicity in MC3T3-E1 cells by decreasing apoptosis and restoring colony formation ability. High glucose treatment reduced glutathione levels and markedly increased reactive oxygen species production, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, as indicated by reduced manganese superoxide dismutase activity. These effects were mitigated by EECF. Additionally, EECF prevented the high glucose-induced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by restoring alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition.Conclusions: These findings suggest that EECF may serve as a functional agent for mitigating high glucose-induced oxidative stress and supporting osteoblast function and differentiation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of bone homeostasis.