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.
As reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of nitroglycerin ointment for two years in postmenopausal 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.
Users nitroglycerin also increased BMD and bone strength on the radius and tibia bone. In addition, compared to placebo, the use of nitroglycerin was significantly associated with increased specific alkaline phosphate, which is a marker of bone formation and decrease in N-telopeptide (markers of bone resorption).
Meanwhile, reports of serious side effects are not too different between the two groups. Among the group who continued treatment for 24 months, cases have been reported headaches in 35 percent of nitroglycerin and 5.4 percent in the placebo group during the first month and showed a decrease after 12 months.
