Objective To research the therapeutic effect of kidney-supplementing liver-regulating formula for primary osteoporosis associated with depression in elderly. Methods Eighty cases of primary osteoporosis

aged 75 to 95 years

associated with depression were randomized into the treatment group and control group

with 40 in each. The treatment group was given kidney-supplementing liver-regulating formula one dose daily. The control group was given 70mg alendronate sodium tablets once weekly. The therapeutic effect and antidepressant efficacy was evaluated after 4-week treatment. The depression scores were compared before and after 1-week

2-week

3-week and 4-week treatment in both groups. Results The total effective rate of the treatment group and control group was 87. 50% and 83. 87% respectively

with no significant difference between groups（ P > 0. 05）. The antidepressant efficacy in the treatment group and control group was 93. 75% and 83. 87% respectively

with a significant difference between groups（ P < 0. 01）. There were significant differences between before and after treatment in the depression scores in both groups（ P < 0. 05）

especially after 4-week treatment（ P < 0. 05）. Comparing with the control group

the depression scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased after 2-week

3-week and 4-week treatment（ P < 0. 05）. Conclusion Kidney-supplementing liver-regulating formula is effective for primary osteoporosis associated with depression in elderly.