Traditional Chinese herbal medicines are often discounted by western physicians due to the lack of strong scientific evidence of their value. This study used standardized research protocols to determine the effectiveness of a Chinese herbal medicine in the prevention of osteoporosis. While there is more long-term research needed, the preliminary results are encouraging,
Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium brevicornum maxim)
Yin Yang Huo is a Yang tonifying herb used for pain and numbness in the lower back and extremities. In Traditional Chinese medicine it is used when there is arthritic pain, which worsens in cold and damp weather.
How the Study Worked
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Yin Yan Huo, (Epimedium), published in the Journal Of Bone and Mineral Research, phytoestrogen flavinoids extracted from Epimedium were tested for their value in preventing osteoporosis in older postmenopausal women. The study ran for two years as it has been shown that it takes more than six months for bone health to change significantly after osteoporosis treatment has been initiated.
A secondary concern with the use of phytoestrogen products is the potential for endometrial hyperplasia, or excessive cell growth in the uterus. Those cells may occasionally become precancerous. The osteoporosis study therefore monitored participants for endometrial hyperplasia as well.
This particular osteoporosis study used only the phytoestrogen flavinoids extracted from the plant. Diet and supplement intake was managed to standardize consumption of foods containing calcium and soy.
Results of the Study
Women taking the herbal extract had improved bone mineral density in the lumbar spine after a year and in the femoral neck after two years, as compared to the control cases who showed decreased bone mineral density over the course of the study.
None of the participants showed any significant change in endometrial thickness.
What This Means for Osteoporosis Prevention
The Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium) extract was shown to be effective in preventing osteoporosis without secondary side effects on uterine tissue over the course of two years. Longer term studies will be needed to determine whether the use of Epimedium extracts continues to prevent loss of bone density without causing endometrial hyperplasia.
Determining the optimum dose of the extract and how other dietary factors may influence its effectiveness in preventing osteoporosis are other important steps to be taken.
An increased risk of breast cancer is also associated with long-term estrogen replacement therapy. Studies will need to be done to determine whether this risk is present in women taking Epimedium extracts for osteoporosis.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, multiple herbs are used in combination with dietary management based on assessment of the individual being treated. This method has been shown to prevent some side effects of single herbs by balancing them with other herbs.
While it is worthwhile for those at risk of osteoporosis to discuss the use of Epimedium extract to preserve bone mineral density with their doctor, interested persons may find that consultation with a Traditional Chinese medical herbalist is also of value.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
