Effects of Korean herbal medicine (Cheong-A-Won) for treatment of bone mineral density in women with osteoporosis: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionOsteoporosis has become a primary health problem for the aged population. Recently, the interest in natural-based drugs and the need for a scientific and objective basis to establish an effective and safe herbal formulation have increased. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cheong-A-Won (CAW) Korean herbal medicine in women with osteoporosis for 24 weeks. MethodsOne hundred and twenty-nine women with osteoporosis (n = 129) aged ≥50 years randomly received either a total of 9 g of CAW (CAW group, n = 64) or placebo (CON group, n = 65) three times a day for 24 weeks. Outcome measures included changes in bone mineral density (BMD), T-score in the lumbar spine weeks and bone turnover marker (serum osteoclacin, C-telopeptide, urinary N-telopeptide, and total calcium) at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. ResultsAt 24 weeks, the CAW group showed significant increase in BMD (3.69 ± 9.24 mg/cc vs 0.11 ± 6.14 mg/cc, P = 0.011 < 0.05) and T-core (0.15 ± 0.37 vs 0.00 ± 0.25, P = 0.011 < 0.05) from baseline when compared with the control group. However, no significant differences were found in the changes of biochemical bone turnover marker. The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups, and no notable adverse events were observed. ConclusionsCurrent report suggests that taking CAW is efficient and safety for women with osteoporosis and it can be considered as a potential alternative medicine in osteoporosis.(ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02592161).