Evidence supporting the use of: Icariin
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Icariin, a flavonoid glycoside and the major active component of Epimedium (commonly known as "Horny Goat Weed"), has been studied for its potential role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, particularly in preclinical models. In vitro and animal studies suggest that icariin can stimulate osteoblast (bone-forming cell) activity and inhibit osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) differentiation, likely through pathways including BMP-2/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and estrogen receptor signaling. These mechanisms may contribute to increased bone formation and decreased bone loss. Several studies in ovariectomized rats, a common model for postmenopausal osteoporosis, have shown that icariin supplementation can increase bone mineral density and improve bone microarchitecture.

However, while preclinical data are promising, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited. A small number of human studies, often with methodological limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of blinding, suggest possible benefits but do not provide conclusive evidence. As such, icariin’s use for osteoporosis is scientifically plausible and supported by animal and cell studies, but robust clinical validation is lacking. Regulatory agencies do not currently approve icariin for osteoporosis treatment. Therefore, the evidence rating is moderate to low (2/5), reflecting promising but preliminary scientific support, rather than established clinical efficacy.

More about icariin
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Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Abalone
Acacetin
Alfalfa
algal oil
Algal protein
Algalin
Algas calcareas
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
animal protein
animal Tissue
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
arctiin
ashwagandha
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
barrenwort
beta caryophyllene
biochanin
blueberry
bok choy
bone protein
boron
bovine
bovine protein
broccoli
calcium
calycosin
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cissus quadrangularis
cistanche
cod liver oil
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
curcumin
cyanidin
daidzein
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dioscorea
diosgenin
diosmetin
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
Drynaria
ecdysteroids
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Eucommia ulmoides
fern
fish
fish protein
flavanols
flavanones
flavans
flavones
fo-ti
formononetin
genistein
genistin
glycitin
goji berry
gooseberry
haliotis
hesperetin
hesperidin
horsetail
Hyperoside
icariin
ipriflavone
isoflavones
Kaempferol
kale
knotweed
Legume protein
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
Lithothamnion
Lycium
maca
magnesium
manganese
Marine protein
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
Milk Protein
Mineral blend
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
paeoniflorin
Phaeophyceae
phosphorus
Phytoecdysteroid
Phytoestrogens
polymethoxylated flavones
polysaccharides
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
prune
Puerarin
quercetin
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
resveratrol
royal jelly
rutin
seaweed
sesame
Shilajit
silica
silicon
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stilbenoid
strontium
tocotrienols
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
Wakame
Whey protein
Xanthophyll
Zinc

Products containing icariin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.