Cyanidin is an anthocyanin flavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables, particularly in berries, and is recognized for its antioxidant properties. There is emerging scientific evidence suggesting a potential role for cyanidin in supporting bone health and possibly mitigating osteoporosis. Preclinical studies (primarily in vitro and animal models) have demonstrated that cyanidin can modulate osteoclast and osteoblast activity, leading to reduced bone resorption and enhanced bone formation. For example, research published in the journal Bone (2014) indicated that cyanidin-3-glucoside could suppress osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting RANKL-induced pathways, which are crucial in bone degradation seen in osteoporosis. Other studies have reported that cyanidin supplementation can improve bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats, a common animal model for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

However, clinical evidence in humans is currently limited. While dietary intake of anthocyanin-rich foods is epidemiologically associated with better bone health, direct interventional studies with purified cyanidin in humans are lacking. Thus, while the scientific rationale is supported by mechanistic and animal studies, the evidence level remains moderate to low due to the absence of robust clinical trials. Cyanidin is not part of traditional osteoporosis treatments, and its use is not based on ethnomedical practices but rather on contemporary nutrition and biomedical research.