Development and Validation of Flaxseed Lignan-Enriched Set-Type Fermented Milk to Manage Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

A functional set dahi (fermented milk analogous to yoghurt) with a desirable probiotic (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A5) count of 9.36 log CFU/mL and excellent techno-functional attributes (DPPH: 41.95% RSA, firmness: 485.49 g, sensory overall acceptability: 8.51) was developed to contain 260 mg of SDG in 20 g of dahi. Twenty-four female Albino Wistar rats (3 months old, >180 g) were ovariectomized (OVX) and divided into three groups: OVX control, OVX and control dahi, and OVX and SDG-enriched dahi. The animal study found that ovariectomy decreased serum calcium, oestrogen, and bone ash calcium levels by 32.27, 30.95, and 48.46 percent, respectively, compared to the sham group (n = 8), while daily administration of SDG-enriched dahi (20 g) for eight weeks restored them. The proximal tibial metaphysis and distal femoral epiphysis micro-CT study showed that the ovariectomy lowered bone mineral density (BMD) by 11.06% and 9.18%, respectively, and lowered Trabecular thickness (Tb. Th) by 12.66% and 11.86%, respectively, while increasing Trabecular separation (Tb. Sp.) by 90.69% and 87.70%, respectively, compared to the sham control-group rats. SDG-enriched dahi improved BMD by 16.06 and 12.24% and Tb. Th by 35.32 and 19.62%, respectively, and decreased Tb. Sp by 47.04 and 47.22%, respectively, in OVX rats. The results suggest that the developed set dahi may help treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.