Effect of aqueous ginseng extract on osteoporosis in the zebrafish scale model. (A) After treatment with aqueous ginseng extract (GE, 10 μg/ml) for 35 days, zebrafish were scanned by μ-CT to visualize vertebrae density. (B) Calcium/phosphorous ratios were measured in vertebrae and scales from zebrafish samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. (C) RT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of osteoclast marker genes TRAP, MMP9, and MMP2 of and β-actin. (D) Zebrafish scales were stained with TRAP. Scale bar, 100 μm.

Effect of ginsenoside Re on zebrafish scale osteoclasts. (A) Ginsenoside Re-treated zebrafish scales were stained with TRAP. Red box, magnified X200; arrow, TRAP-positive signal. (B) TRAP signal intensity was measured in lateral regions. Five randomly selected points were measured per treated scale. (C, D) qPCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of the osteoclast markers TRAP and cathepsin K and (E, F) the osteoblasts markers ALP and osterix.*P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01 by student’s t-test.