Ipriflavone
Useful mainly for few candidates; benefit not confirmed by the largest trial.
Quick decision guide
May help most
few candidates; benefit not confirmed by the largest trial
Common dosing range
600 mg/day (200 mg three times daily)
When to expect effects
Months (if any)
Watch out for
can lower lymphocyte counts; monitor immune function
What is it
Ipriflavone (7-isopropoxyisoflavone) is a synthetic isoflavone derivative based on daidzein, used as a supplement and prescription drug (in some countries) for osteoporosis prevention.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
postmenopausal osteoporosis Mixed Evidence | No significant benefit in the largest trial | Not clearly established for any group | Months (if any) |
postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Effect
- No significant benefit in the largest trial
- Best fit
- Not clearly established for any group
- Time
- Months (if any)
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
postmenopausal osteoporosis
Supplement benefitIpriflavone inhibits osteoclast activity and has weak estrogen-like effects, and small early trials suggested bone benefits. However, a large multicenter RCT in postmenopausal women found no significant effect on bone density or fracture prevention versus placebo, and some studies showed a dose-dependent drop in lymphocyte count. The largest, longest evidence does not support efficacy.
Bottom line: Not recommended for osteoporosis; the best trial was negative and it can lower lymphocytes.
Evidence is mixed
Small earlier trials suggested bone-density benefit, but the largest and longest multicenter RCT found none.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
1 commercial form
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Ipriflavone tablets/capsules
Standard supplement form, typically 200 mg per dose.
Absorption improved by food intake.
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
Dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count (subclinical lymphopenia)
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- People with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal effects and insufficient safety data.
Interactions
CYP1A2 inhibition can raise theophylline levels
CYP2C9 inhibition can raise warfarin exposure and bleeding risk
May alter tamoxifen metabolism
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
Does ipriflavone work for osteoporosis?⌄
Evidence is mixed. The largest, longest trial found no benefit over placebo. Other osteoporosis treatments (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, exercise) have stronger evidence.
Is ipriflavone safe long-term?⌄
Some studies have noted reductions in lymphocyte count with long-term use. Long-term safety profile is incomplete; discuss with your clinician.
References by claim
Track Ipriflavone with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.