Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Bushen Huoxue Tongluo decoction in treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP)

and investigate its mechanism of action. Method: The 120 cases of GIOP patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group

60 cases in each group. Patients in observation group took prednisone hormone and Bushen Huoxue decoction

and patients in control group received glucocorticoid

calcitriol capsules and calcium carbonate D3 tablets for 6 months. Before and after treatment

the two groups were evaluated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores

curative effects

levels of blood calcium

blood phosphorus

urinary calcium

urinary phosphorus

serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

serum bone gla protein (BGP) and blood parathyroid hormone (PTH)

bone mineral density (BMD) value and adverse reactions. Result: The markedly effective rate was 53.3% in observation group

higher than 30.0% in control group (P<0.05)

and there was no difference in total effective rate between two groups. As compared with before treatment

total TCM syndrome scores were decreased in two groups; levels of blood calcium and phosphorus were increased

and BMD values were increased

with significant difference (P<0.05). As compared with control group

soreness and weakness of waist and knees

low back pain symptoms

leg pain

walking hardship symptom and total scores were decreased significantly after treatment in observation group (P<0.05)

levels of serum PTH were decreased and BMD values were increased (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse effects was 0 in observation group

and 10% in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Bushen Huoxue Tongluo decoction has satisfactory efficacy for GIOP

which can reduce the levels of hormones

side effects and the incidence of fractures

with high safety.