Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (35): 9248-9257.doi: 10.12307/2026.283

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Molecular mechanism of icariin in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Zhu Lifeng1, Wang Wenchi1, Liu Qiang2, Cui Xianqin1, Zhang Zhenhao1, Huang Jie1, Lyu Zhucheng1, Wang Leihang1, Cui Wei3   

  1. 1Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 2Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; 3Affiliated Ruikang Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

  • Received:2025-09-10 Revised:2025-12-03 Online:2026-12-18 Published:2026-04-29
  • Contact: Cui Wei, MD, Chief physician, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Affiliated Ruikang Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Zhu Lifeng, MS candidate, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    Guizhou School of Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Team of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 2022A004 (to CW); Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Self-funded Scientific Research Project, No. 20210579 (to CW); Chinese Ethnic Medicine Association Project, No. 2020MZ-040701 (to CW) 

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pharmacodynamic characteristics and mechanisms of action of icariin in combating osteoporosis gradually gain recognition within the academic community. Related basic research and clinical translation efforts are increasingly becoming the focal point of research. 
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress of icariin on anti-osteoporosis.
METHODS: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature. Chinese and English search terms included “icariin, osteoporosis, Chinese medicine compound, pathogenesis, signal path, BMSCs, osteoblast, osteoclast.” Based on inclusion criteria, 90 articles were ultimately included in the review. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Icariin treatment increased alkaline phosphatase activity and induced the expression of core binding factor α1, bone morphogenetic protein 2, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a dose-dependent manner. Icariin promoted osteocalcin secretion at the fracture site and accelerated fracture healing by increasing serum levels of osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen N-terminal peptide, type I collagen C-terminal peptide, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b in serum. Icariin achieved the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats by upregulating alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels and inhibiting the expression of Notch1, CBF1, and Jagged-1 proteins in the Notch pathway. This results in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Icariin regulated bone metabolism through multiple signaling axes, including Wnt/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, osteoprotegerin/nuclear factor κB receptor activator ligand/nuclear factor κB receptor activator, and Notch. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the osteoprotegerin/nuclear factor κB receptor activator ligand/nuclear factor κB axis constitute the core regulatory mechanism, synergistically regulating the osteogenic-osteoclast balance. Icariin can influence the biological behavior of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through multi-dimensional interventions, such as regulating mRNA expression modification, inhibiting oxidative stress, and improving the inflammatory microenvironment.

Key words: icariin, osteoporosis, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, osteoblast, osteoclast, signaling pathway, review

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