Prevention of Osteoporotic Disorders with Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica)

Abstract

Objectives: 1. To review the effect of foxtail millet in Bone health. 2. To review Asthivikara according to Ayurvedic science. 3. To review about ayurvedic and modern concept of Foxtail Millet and Osteoporosis. Materials and methods: All the research work regarding foxtail millet, Osteoporosis, Bone health, Sandhankarma has been searched from science direct, PUBMED, scholar articles. Various classical text of ayurveda and modern science has been reviewed. Discussion: foxtail millet possesses Madhura (sweet), Astringent (Kashaya) rasa, Guru guna (heavy), ruchya property (increases taste), Sheeta veerya (cold potency), brumhana karma (nourishing), sandhankar (healing) property. It is rich in Vitamin B12, protein, good fat, carbs and dietary fibre content. Besides copious amounts of lysine, thiamine, iron and niacin, it also offers abundant amounts of calcium. Osteoporosis was first considered to be an age-related disorder characterized by low bone mass and increased bone fragility, thereby putting the patient at risk of fractures. Studies have reported an increased risk of developing osteoporosis in patients with various inflammatory conditions. Bound polyphenols of inner shell (BPIS) from foxtail millet bran can display anti-inflammatory effects Conclusion: Foxtail millet diet consumption will help in prevention of osteoclastic activity i.e. bone resorption process and may promote the activity of osteoblastic cells i.e. bone forming cells. It can promote anti-inflammatory effect. But according to Ayurveda, its consumption should be limited to once a day to prevent vitiation of Vata Dosha. So mass awareness and large scale research study is required for significant result.