Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and progressive destruction of bone microstructure, resulting in increased the risk of fracture. Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of
naringin (NG) or treadmill exercise (EX) on
osteoporosis, however, reports about effects of NG plus EX on
osteoporosis are limited. This study was designed to investigate the impact of combined treatment with
naringin and treadmill exercise on
osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Three months after
bilateral ovariectomy, Seventy-five rats were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: OVX,
sham-operated (
SHAM), NG, EX, or NG plus EX treatment. Treatments were administered for 60 days. Bone metabolism, bone mineral density, trabecular bone parameters, immunohistochemistry, and the bone strength were evaluated. Compared to the OVX groups, all treatments increased bone volume (BV/TV), trabecula number (Tb.N), trabecula thickness (Tb.Th), bone mineral density (BMD), and mechanical strength. NG + EX showed the strongest effects on BV/TV, Tb.Th, and biomechanical strength. Additionally, decreased C-terminal telopeptides of
type I collagen (CTX-1) and enhanced
osteocalcin (OCN) expression were observed in the NG + EX group. The present study demonstrates that the NG + EX may have a therapeutic advantage over each monotherapy for the treatment of
osteoporosis.