Objective To investigate the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis or bone loss in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients by Bugu capsules.Methods Sixty-six patients with SLE were randomly divided into A and B groups:34 patients in Group A were treated by glucocorticoid and Bugu capsules,and 32 patients in Group B by glucocorticoid alone.All patients were measured for bone mineral density (BMD) in Wards triangle,and for related biochemical parameters such as serum calcium, phosphonium,alkaline phosphatase,parathyroid hormone (PTH) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) before and after the treatment.As the control group,thirty healthy subjects were measured for the above parameters.Results There was significant difference in the serum level of IL-6,calcium and PTH between the Group B and con- trol group (P＜0.01).The occurrence rate of osteoporosis or bone loss in group A was significant lower than that in group B [2/34 (5.88%) vs 9/32 (28.13%),P=0.0364].Conclusion Bugu capsules can prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis or bone loss in SLE patients,possibly by restoring the balance among serum IL-6,calcium and PTH.