Ecdysteroids, such as 20-hydroxyecdysone, are a class of steroid hormones found in insects and some plants. In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in their effects on mammalian physiology, including bone health. Several preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies have suggested that ecdysteroids can promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption, mechanisms relevant to the treatment of osteoporosis. For example, in vivo research in ovariectomized rats, a standard animal model for postmenopausal osteoporosis, has shown that administration of ecdysteroids can improve bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture. Mechanistically, ecdysteroids are thought to stimulate osteoblast (bone-forming cell) activity and suppress osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) activity, potentially via modulation of estrogen receptors or other signaling pathways.

However, the evidence base remains limited to preclinical studies. As of 2024, there are no robust human clinical trials demonstrating safety or efficacy of ecdysteroids for osteoporosis prevention or treatment. Additionally, ecdysteroids are not recognized in clinical osteoporosis guidelines, and their use for this indication is not widespread in conventional or traditional medicine. Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence from animal studies, the lack of human data limits the strength of recommendation for their use in osteoporosis.