The traditional Chinese prescriptions have the advantage of potential efficacy

fewer side effects and comprehensive effects and suitable for long term use

and have been widely used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Classic recipe recorded in the ancient medical books have definitely efficacy

and can be added and subtracted according to overall analysis of the illness and the patient's condition. Empirical recipe are based on the physicians clinical experience

and also have own characteristics to adapt to special symptom of osteoporosis. The Chinese patent medicines with a fixed ingredients and preparation are often used alone

or combined with chemicals to prevent and treat osteoporosis. The aim of this review is to provide reference information for research and development of antiosteoporotic drug

and scientific basis for clinical application of TCM formulas in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.