Effects of ipriflavone on postmenopausal syndrome and osteoporosis

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the therapeutic effects of ipriflavone on postmenopausal syndrome and osteoporosis in women.

Methods. A randomized and double-blind study was conducted. Sixty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were chosen and they were randomly divided into three groups: Treatment group I was given oral compound calcium acid chelate and Vitamin AD guttate; treatment group II was given oral compound calcium acid chelate, Vitamin AD guttate and ipriflavone; Control group was given placebo and compound calcium acid chelate. The postmenopausal syndrome, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone biochemical markers were assessed 6 and 12 months after the treatment.

Results. In treatment group II, hot flush and ostalgia syndromes were dramatically relieved, BMD and serum calcium level increased markedly and alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase decreased markedly, comparing with treatment group I and control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Ipriflavone could inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation. It is an effective drug for the prevention and treatment to menopausal syndrome and osteoporosis. Ipriflavone could be used as a supplement to estrogen replacement treatment.

Keywords:

• Ipriflavone
• bone mineral density
• phytoestrogens

Acknowledgment

The support from The Science-Technology Project of Shanxi Province of China (Grant no. 2005K14G3(1)) is gratefully acknowledged.