New osteoporosis treatment uses traditional Chinese herb to prevent bone loss

(University of British Columbia) An herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine might hold the key to a new osteoporosis therapy that could prevent bone loss without causing side effects. Using a compound derived from red sage, UBC researchers have found a way to selectively block an enzyme called Cathepsin K (CatK), which plays a major role in the breakdown of collagen in bones during osteoporosis.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news