The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of crude extracts from Davallia formosana (DFE) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Results revealed that DFE treatment could decrease urinary contents of deoxypridinoline and Ca in OVX rats. DFE treatment significantly increased the bone density, Ca content, and bone mineral density. DFE reduced the OVX-induced decrease in maximal load, bending stiffness, bending energy and Young’s modulus in femoral bone. The microCT analysis showed that DFE significantly increased the tibial trabecular area, number and thickness. The present study demonstrated that DFE has ameliorative effects on osteoporosis in OVX rats. DFE has potential for the development of functional food in the treatment of osteoporosis.
