Icariin induces osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization through estrogen receptor-mediated ERK and JNK signal activation

Icariin, the main active flavonoid glucoside isolated from Herba epimedii (HEF), is an anabolic agent in bone that has been reported to prevent bone loss in ovariectomized rats and postmenopausal women. However, the molecular mechanism for this anabolic action of Icariin remain largely unknown. Here, we found that Icariin could promote MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell proliferation and reduce cell apoptosis, associated with increased mRNA levels of...