Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes continuous remodeling coupled with the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoclast activity is elevated during osteoporosis and periodontitis resulting in excessive loss of trabecular and alveolar bone. Osteoclasts are formed in an inflammatory response to cytokine production receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and bacterial challenge lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Carvacrol, a monoterpenic phenol present in Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris, is a natural compound with known medicinal properties. We investigated the effects of carvacrol Key words osteoclast; osteoporosis; periodontitis; receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL); lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Bone homeostasis is tightly coupled to the bone-forming activity of osteoblasts and bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts.1) Osteoclasts are multi-nucleated cells that arise from hematopoietic progenitors of monocyte/macrophage lineage and specialize in bone resorption.2) Bone-loss related diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis are associated with increased osteoclast formation and elevated osteoclast activity. [3][4][5] Binding of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) to its receptor RANK in osteoclast precursors triggers trimerization of the receptor and subsequent activation of downstream signaling pathways that includes inhibitor of kappaB (IκB)-a/b kinase (IKK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)-p38, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun Nterminal kinase (JNK).6) Activation of these pathways leads to the formation of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) osteoclasts and bone resorption.Development of apical periodontitis is associated with the presence of microorganisms in the root canal system. 7) Gramnegative bacteria are the most common causative agents in endodontic infections. 8) Bacterial death causes release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the necrotic pulp and dental wall of periapically affected teeth. 9) LPS elicits alveolar bone loss during periodontitis. 10) LPS stimulates the secretion of cytokines by osteoclast precursors such as monocytes and macrophages, resulting in osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo.11) Earlier studies have also shown that injection of LPS into mouse gingiva induces alveolar bone resorption. 12)