Ayurveda medicinal plants for Asthikshaya (Osteoporosis): A review

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient science of life deals with the preventive as well as curative aspect. It explains human body as a ‘congenial homeostasis’ of doṣa, dhatuand mala. The function of dhatu is dharaṇa (maintain the structure) of the sharira (body). Among the dhatu, asthidhatu is responsible for maintenance of structural frame work of the body. It gives shape to the body and protects the vital organs. Concept of osteoporosis has explained under 18 types of kṣhaya by Acharya Carakain sutra sthan kiyantahshirasiya adhyaya. Asthikṣhaya pathogenesis can be explained in many ways in Ayurveda. According to the principles of ashrayaashrayibhava, asthidhatu is the seat of vata doṣa and inversely related to each other. Increase of vata is the main factor responsible for asthikṣhaya. Acharya Caraka has opined increase of vata may follow two patterns; one is from margavaraṇa and another is from dhatukṣhaya which can further lead to asthikṣhaya. Osteoporosis or porous bone is a global problem characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by osteoporosis but females are at higher risk. This risk even increases at the time of menopause, which is the period of hormonal imbalance. Treatment available in modern science is mainly symptomatic and not devoid of adverse effects. Ayurveda treatment visualizes the human body as a single unit and this approach has opened many innovative approaches for treatment. On this background present study was taken to analyze the fundamental concept of asthikshaya and to find out single herbs beneficial for it. Drugs from classical texts along with commonly used in practice have been analyzed in context of asthikshaya. Study reveals that drugs like guduchi, ashwagandha, prishnaparni, samanga, vacha etc. possess kaphavatashamak properties which helps in breaking the pathogenesis by clearing and nourishing the srotas (channels). Drugs like madhuyasti, priyangu, vidarikanda, shatavari etc. have vatapittashamak, balya (tonic), brimhan (nourishing) properties works directly on dhatukshaya.