Studies by scientists at the Women's College Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Canada, indicates that the use of nitroglycerin ointment has the potential to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

An initial study provide hope for the availability of an effective and inexpensive treatment for bone disease or osteoporosis.

In the Journal of the American Medical Association reported the use of nitroglycerin ointment for two years in post-menopausal women a significant effect on increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and decrease bone resorption.

"Nitroglycerin can stimulate bone formation and prevent resorption. It can give an effect on bone density and structure," said researchers in a report.

Nitroglycerin has been previously used extensively as a vasodilator, a drug that causes dilation of blood vessels and help solve problems of the heart such as angina and chronic heart problems.


Sophie Jamal and his team tested the efficacy of nitroglycerin ointment improvement the bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, femoral neck and pelvis. In addition to using nitroglycerin, the researchers also use a placebo as a comparator.