Dihydrotanshinone I attenuates estrogen-deficiency bone loss through RANKL-stimulated NF-κB, ERK and NFATc1 signaling pathways

•Dihydrotanshinone I, a natural component extracted from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro.•Dihydrotanshinone I hinders osteoclast formation by inhibiting RANKL-induced NF-κB, ERK and NFATc1 signaling pathways.•Dihydrotanshinone I prevents estrogen-deficiency bone loss in vivo.