Icariin stimulates differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) through activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB

Icariin, a prenylated flavonol glycoside isolated from Epimedium, has been considered as a potential alternative therapy for osteoporosis. The present study aimed to clarify the detailed molecular mechanisms of action of icariin on osteoblast function, using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). BM-MSCs were first stimulated by icariin. Then, gene and protein expression of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling molecules were analyzed by RT-PCR...