In this study, we explored the effects of ECH on OVX-induced
osteoporosis in rats. Our study clearly demonstrates the beneficial effects of ECH in the prevention
of bone loss induced by ovariec- tomy. It is well known that estrogen deficiencies are important
risk factors in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Ovariectomy results enhanced the expression of ER in the uteri according to immunohis-
tochemical evaluation. Moreover, the ECH treatment significantly enhanced total femora BMD,
biomechanical strength, and bone quality for 12 weeks. These results suggested that ECH may act as
an estrogen analog, as it had a similar effect as estrogen on uterine weight, serum E2 levels and
even on the prevention of bone loss. It implies that ECH possess a marked antiosteoporotic activity
on OVX induced osteoporosis in rats may by phytoestrogen effect, at least partly, thereby indicating a potential therapeutic usefulness as an anti-osteoporotic agent.