The beneficial effect of Icariin on bone is diminished in osteoprotegerin-deficient mice

► Icariin significantly increased trabecular bone volume and trabecular number in Opg wild type mice. ► Icariin significantly increased bone formation parameters in Opg wild type mice, which was diminished in Opg knock-out mice. ► Icariin significantly increased osteoblast-related gene expression in the trabecular bone in Opg wild type mice. ► OPG plays an essential role in Icariin-mediated beneficial effects on trabecular bone.