What is a medication derived from a natural source that may be prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis?

Calcitonin is derived from a natural source, specifically it is a hormone produced in the thyroid gland of fish, particularly salmon. It acts to lower blood calcium levels and has beneficial effects on bone density, making it a useful medication in the treatment of osteoporosis. Its mechanism involves inhibiting osteoclast activity, which are the cells responsible for bone resorption, thereby helping to maintain or increase bone density.

This choice stands out among others because while Raloxifene, Clomiphene, and Bisphosphonates are also involved in treating conditions related to bone health or fertility, they are either synthetic or not primarily derived from a natural source. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), Clomiphene is a fertility drug, and Bisphosphonates are synthetic compounds that inhibit bone resorption but do not come from natural origins.