Enhancement of <i>Corchorus olitorius</i> L. on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells by increasing alkaline phosphatase and hydroxyproline

<i>Corchorus olitorius</i> L. (jute mallow or molehiya) belongs to the Malvaceae family valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. In this study, the potential to enhance osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1(Murine Calvaria-derived 3T3 Subclone E1) pre-osteoblastic cells was investigated to support bone formation and mineralisation. Leaf ethanolic extract was prepared and applied to MC3T3-E1 cells. Osteogenic effects were evaluated through three methods: MTT assays for cell viability, Alizarin Red S staining for calcium deposition, enzymatic analyses for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hydroxyproline (HYP). A non-cytotoxic concentration of <i>C. olitorius</i> extract (0.5 mg/mL) significantly increased ALP and HYP levels, promoting osteogenic differentiation in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. HYP levels were notably elevated in differentiated cells. The findings suggested that <i>C. olitorius</i> extract may be a promising natural agent for enhancing bone health, warranting further <i>in vivo</i> and clinical studies to confirm its therapeutic potential.