Researchers tested a traditional Chinese herbal blend called Wubi Shanyao Pills to see if it could help prevent weak bones in mice going through menopause-like changes. The mice that received the herb showed stronger bones and better calcium levels in their blood compared to untreated mice. The herb appeared to work by helping the body absorb more calcium through the intestines and kidneys. While these results are promising, this research was done in mice, so scientists will need to test it in humans before recommending it as a treatment for bone loss in postmenopausal women.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a traditional Chinese herbal supplement called Wubi Shanyao Pills could strengthen bones and improve calcium absorption in mice experiencing bone loss similar to what happens to women after menopause.
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were fed a diet low in calcium and high in phosphorus to create bone loss similar to postmenopausal osteoporosis. Some mice received the herbal treatment, while others received a standard bone-loss medication (alendronate) or no treatment.
  • Key finding: Mice treated with the herbal pills showed significant improvements in bone strength and density, along with higher calcium levels in their blood. The herb appeared to work as well as or better than the standard medication used for bone loss.
  • What it means for you: This research suggests the herbal supplement may help prevent bone loss, but it’s important to remember this was tested in mice, not humans. More research is needed before doctors could recommend it for people. If you’re concerned about bone health, talk to your doctor about proven prevention strategies.

The Research Details

Scientists created a bone-loss condition in mice by feeding them a special diet that mimics what causes bone problems in postmenopausal women. The mice were divided into groups: some received different doses of the herbal supplement, some received a standard bone-loss medication, and some received no treatment. The study lasted 17 weeks, which is a significant portion of a mouse’s life.

After the treatment period, researchers examined the mice’s bones using special imaging technology similar to CT scans used in hospitals. They also took blood samples to measure calcium and phosphorus levels, and examined tissue samples from the bones, intestines, and kidneys under a microscope to see what changes had occurred.

The researchers specifically looked at proteins involved in calcium absorption—essentially the ‘doorways’ that allow calcium to enter cells. They used multiple advanced techniques to measure these proteins and understand how the herb was affecting the body’s ability to use calcium.

This research approach is important because it allows scientists to understand the exact biological mechanisms—the ‘how’ and ‘why’—behind the herb’s effects. By examining tissues directly and measuring specific proteins, researchers can identify which parts of the body are being affected and what changes are happening at a cellular level. This detailed understanding is necessary before testing the herb in humans.

This study was published in a reputable scientific journal (Frontiers in Pharmacology), which means it went through peer review by other scientists. The researchers used multiple methods to measure their results, which strengthens confidence in the findings. However, this is animal research, so results may not directly translate to humans. The study was relatively long-term for mice (17 weeks), which is a positive indicator. The lack of specific sample size information in the abstract is a minor limitation, though this is common in published summaries.

What the Results Show

The herbal supplement significantly improved bone quality and strength in the treated mice. Bones became denser and had better structural integrity compared to untreated mice. The mice receiving the herb also had higher calcium levels in their blood and better calcium-to-phosphorus balance, which is important for bone health.

The herb appeared to work by increasing the activity of special proteins that act like ‘calcium doors’ in the intestines and kidneys. These proteins—called TRPV6 and TRPV5—help the body absorb and retain calcium. When these proteins were more active in the herb-treated mice, their bodies could absorb more calcium from food.

Interestingly, the herbal treatment also improved anemia (low red blood cell count) that developed in the mice with bone loss. This suggests the herb may have broader health benefits beyond just bone strength. The kidney and intestinal tissues also showed better structural repair in the treated mice.

Beyond bone strength, the herb improved overall tissue health in multiple organs. The intestines, kidneys, and bones all showed better structural integrity and healing in treated mice. The herb also helped restore normal blood chemistry patterns that had been disrupted by the bone-loss condition. These secondary effects suggest the herb may have benefits for overall health during the postmenopausal period, not just for bones.

The herbal supplement performed comparably to alendronate, a standard medication used to treat bone loss in postmenopausal women. In some measures, the herb appeared to work as well as or slightly better than the medication. This is noteworthy because it suggests traditional herbal approaches may have merit worth investigating further. However, alendronate has decades of human research supporting its use, while this herb has not yet been tested in humans for this purpose.

The most important limitation is that this research was conducted in mice, not humans. Mice metabolize substances differently than humans, and results in animals don’t always translate to humans. The study didn’t specify the exact number of mice used in each group, making it harder to assess statistical power. The research was conducted over 17 weeks, which is good for a mouse study but shorter than the years of treatment humans typically need. The study also used a specific type of diet-induced bone loss model, which may not perfectly match all types of postmenopausal bone loss in women. Finally, this was a single study, so results need to be confirmed by other independent research groups.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, the herbal supplement shows promise for potentially helping with bone health, but it is NOT yet recommended for human use without further testing. Current evidence-based recommendations for postmenopausal bone health remain: adequate calcium intake (1,000-1,200 mg daily), vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, and discussing medication options with your doctor if you have significant bone loss. If you’re interested in traditional herbal approaches, discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

This research is most relevant to postmenopausal women concerned about bone health, researchers studying traditional Chinese medicine, and pharmaceutical companies interested in developing new bone-loss treatments. Women with diagnosed osteoporosis should continue following their doctor’s current treatment plan rather than switching to unproven supplements. This research may eventually be relevant to women in early menopause looking for prevention strategies, but that’s not yet established.

In the mouse study, significant bone improvements were visible after 17 weeks of treatment. If this herb were eventually proven safe and effective in humans, similar benefits might take several months to appear, as bone remodeling is a slow biological process. Most bone-loss medications require 6-12 months of use before significant improvements are measurable. Don’t expect overnight results from any bone-health intervention.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily calcium intake (target 1,000-1,200 mg) and weight-bearing exercise minutes (target 150+ minutes weekly). Log these daily in the app to monitor consistency with proven bone-health strategies while awaiting further research on herbal supplements.
  • Users interested in bone health can use the app to: (1) set reminders for calcium-rich foods or supplements, (2) log weight-bearing exercises like walking or strength training, (3) track vitamin D intake, and (4) record any supplements they’re taking to discuss with their doctor. This creates a comprehensive bone-health picture.
  • Establish a monthly check-in to review calcium intake consistency, exercise frequency, and any new supplements being considered. Set a reminder to discuss bone health with your doctor annually, especially if you’re postmenopausal or have risk factors for bone loss. As new research emerges on herbal treatments, update your doctor on your interest in these options.

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as a basis for treating or preventing bone loss in people. Wubi Shanyao Pills are not approved by the FDA for treating osteoporosis. If you have concerns about bone health or osteoporosis, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or changing your current treatment plan. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss herbal supplements with your doctor, as they may interact with medications or have side effects not yet identified in animal studies.