A pill that blocks production of a natural chemical in the gut could potentially cure the common bone thinning disease osteoporosis, say scientists.

The drug prevents the synthesis of serotonin, best known for its functions in the brain.

It halted osteoporosis in mice and rats, and may be similarly effective in humans, researchers believe.

In the brain, serotonin assists the transmission of messages between nerve cells and has a big impact on mood.

But 95% of the body's serotonin is found in the gut, where its major function is to inhibit bone formation, said the researchers.

By shutting off intestinal serotonin production, the scientists prevented osteoporosis in post-menopausal female mice.

In humans, the menopause is known to increase the risk of the disease dramatically.

The researchers found that an experimental drug called LP533401, which blocks serotonin production in the gut, had a major impact on osteoporosis.

They included the drug in the animals' diets at small doses once a day for up to six weeks.

The results, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed that LP533401 prevented osteoporosis developing. When the disease was already present, it could be fully cured.