Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become porous and brittle, leading to fractures and broken bones. It affects around 10 million Americans and is responsible for 2 million fractures annually, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Osteoporosis can be prevented by ensuring you get enough vitamin D and calcium and taking plenty of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and weight lifting. However, if you already suffer from this condition, you will likely require drug therapy to slow bone loss and help build new bone. Some herbs may also help to prevent bone loss, but they should not be used in place of any treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Examples
Herbs with estrogen-like effects may help to prevent bone loss. These include black cohosh and red clover. Black cohosh may enhance bone formation, while red clover contains compounds, known as isoflavones, which the body converts to phytoestrogens, chemicals that may help to prevent bone loss. The appropriate dose of each herb may depend on several factors, like your age, general health and other medicines you may be taking. Your doctor should be able to advise you on the right dose for you.
Effectiveness
Research by F. Occhiuto, et al., and published in the February 2007 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," found that red clover isoflavones are effective in reducing bone loss and likely exert their effects by inhibiting bone resorption. However, the study was carried out in rats. Human studies are needed to confirm these effects. The results of a study by B.Y. Chan, et al., published in the September 2008 issue of "Bone," show that an extract of black cohosh bone enhanced nodule formation in bone cells, leading the authors to conclude that black cohosh may prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Side Effects
Black cohosh may cause side effects including gastrointestinal upset, rashes, headaches and vomiting. It has been linked with several cases of hepatoxicity. Use black cohosh under medical supervision. Red clover is likely safe for most people, but it may cause muscle aches, nausea and vaginal bleeding in some women.
Considerations
Black cohosh and red clover are not suitable herbal remedies for everyone. For example, people with hormone-sensitive cancer, such as ovarian, breast or uterine cancer, should not take these herbs. Avoid black cohosh if you have any form of liver disease. Red clover may increase the risk of bleeding so do not use it if you are due to undergo surgery. Red clover may interact with the birth control pill and anticoagulants, while black cohosh should not be taken alongside chemotherapeutic drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Black Cohosh
- RxList: Red Clover
- PubMed: Effects of Phytoestrogenic Isoflavones from Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) on Experimental Osteoporosis; F. Occhiuto, et al.; February 2007
- PubMed: Ethanolic Extract of Actaea Racemosa (Black Cohosh) Potentiates Bone Nodule Formation in MC3T3-E1 Preosteoblast Cells; B.Y. Chan, et al; September 2008
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
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