Madrid, Jul 4 (IANS): Ibuprofen, one of the most commonly prescribed pain killers worldwide, also promotes bone healing, after a fracture or bone surgery, a study has said and claimed the drug has no negative effects.

Researchers from the University of Granada have demonstrated that ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has no negative effects on the proliferation and synthesis of osteoblast osteocalcin, hence promotes bone healing.

Osteoblast cells are bone cells that synthesise the bone matrix. Consequently, osteoblasts play a major role in bone development, growth, maintenance and repair, the Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism reports.

Granada researchers are members of the research group BIO277, which studies the effects of different pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies on osteoblast cells, according to a Granada statement.

Concepcion Ruiz Rodriguez, professor at the University of Granada Nursing Department, who led the study, states that "we had little information on the effects of ibuprofen on osteoblast cells."

NSAIDs are usually prescribed for treating acute or chronic conditions where pain and inflammation are present.