Efficacy of Epimedii Folium and related preparations in experimental osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review pooled animal studies of Epimedii Folium plant extracts. The studies looked at bone loss in rats and mice. The models were osteoporosis or induced bone loss. Databases were searched up to 13 June 2026. Measures of bone density, structure and strength were pooled. The team also rated bias and the certainty of the data.

What they found

Femur bone density rose with the extracts on average. Several other bone measures also favored the extracts. But most prediction ranges crossed no effect. The bone marker PINP was not significant. Most bias judgments were unclear. Certainty was very low.

What it means for patients

The team says the extracts favored several bone measures in rodents. They say standard-made products and exposure-based dosing are needed before clinical use.

Why it is not certain yet

These were animal studies, not studies in people. Prediction ranges were wide, and the extracts and models varied. Study sizes were small, and reports were incomplete. Leaving out one study lowered the pooled estimate. These limits lower confidence in how big the effect is.

Source

Efficacy of Epimedii Folium and related preparations in experimental osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We restate facts from the source record in our own words. The original wording belongs to its publisher.