Effect of ipriflavone on bone mass in elderly osteoporotic women

A study in elderly osteoporotic women was performed to assess the effect of one year treatment with ipriflavone (IP) on bone mass and bone biomarkers. Twenty-eight women aged over 65, with diagnosis of osteoporosis and X-ray evidence of at least one vertebral fracture, were treated with IP tablets (600 mg/day) or placebo (PL), according to a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design. One g/day calcium supplementation was given to all patients. After 12 months a significant increase (+6%, P < 0.05) of bone mineral density (BMD) at the distal radius (DPA) was obtained in the IP-group. Serum osteocalcin (BGP) and urinary HO-proline/creatinine (HOP/Cr) values were reduced in the same group. BMD values did not change (-0.3%) in the placebo group. One woman of the PL-group was withdrawn from treatment because of worsening of pain, due to new vertebral crushes. Side effects (mainly gastrointestinal) arose in 8 IP- and in 5 PL-treated women. The compliance to the oral administration was good.