Effects of ipriflavone on bone mass and calcium metabolism in postmenopausal osteoporosis

A large number of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), referred to 12 Italian centers, was randomly divided into 2 groups and treated with oral IP or placebo (Pl). All patients received an oral Ca supplement (1 g/day). One hundred and twenty six patients completed 1 year of the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal radius, measured by DPA, serum osteocalcin (BGP), and urinary hydroxyproline excretion (HOP/Cr), were measured before and after 12 months. After 12 months, a significant increase in BMD was observed in the IP-treated group. IP determined a reduction of HOP/Cr, while in Pl-treated patients a significant increase of this index, as well as of BGP, was observed. After 12 months the difference between the two groups resulted significant for BGP.