Abstract
The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model is well established in investigations of osteoporosis and anti-osteoporotic therapies. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy facilitates characterization of bone quality which is a key determinant of bone strength. FTIR has been used to evaluate the changes occurring in the mineral composition of lumbar vertebrae obtained from osteoporotic rats and osteoporotic rats treated with Zingiber officinale (ZO). Bone quality parameters were determined including measures of degree of mineralization, crystallinity, carbonate content, acid phosphate content and collagen maturity. The main results reveal shifts in bands position and disappearance of band in osteoporotic group. Therefore, several changes in the compositional properties of osteoporotic bone, essentially reduced mineral/matrix ratio. The data obtained from FTIR show return bands to their initial positions and the restoration of bone quality parameters following ZO treatment.