Diabetes is marked by high glucose levels and is associated with decreased bone mass and increased fracture rates. To determine if [6]-gingerol could influence osteoblast dysfunction induced by 2-deoxy-D-ribose (dRib), osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was treated with dRib and [6]-gingerol and markers of osteoblast function and oxidized protein were examined. [6]-Gingerol (10-7 M) significantly increased the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells in the presence of 30 mM dRib (p<0.05). [6]-Gingerol (10-7 M) caused a significant elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen content, and osteocalcin secretion in the cells. We then examined the effect of [6]-gingerol on the production of osteoprotegerin and protein carbonyl in osteoblasts. Treatment with [6]-gingerol (10-9 and 10-7 M) increased osteoprotegerin secretion in osteoblastic cells. Moreover, [6]-gingerol (10-9 and 10-7 M) decreased protein carbonyl contents of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in the presence of 30 mM dRib. Taken together, these results demonstrate that [6]-gingerol inhibits dRib-induced damage and may be useful in the treatment of diabetes related bone diseases.