Isotaxiresinol prevents d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatic injury by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis through the blocking of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production by activated macrophages and direct inhibition of the apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha. Isotaxiresinol may be useful for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, especially for prevention of bone fracture induced by estrogen deficiency.