Research progress in effect of total flavones of Epimedium in Situ on bone and cartilage cells

Epimedium is a kind of traditional Chinese herbs for tonifying kidney and strengthening bones,and it has been widely used in orthopaedic practice.Flavonoids are its main active constituents,including total flavons of epimedium,icariin,icariside and so on.They can promote proliferation of osteoblast,inhibit differentiation and proliferation of osteoclast,and promote growth of chondrocytes.This paper reviews advances in experimental studies on flavonoids in epimedium for bone and joint diseases in recent years,to provid theories for clinical application.