Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Osteogenesis Imperfecta/Brittle Bone Disease Treatment in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) also called the brittle bone disease is a genetic bone disorder inherited from parents to the new born babies and are born with this disorder and due to this the bone breaks easily better to say that their bones are fragile which fractures even with a very mild trauma, possibly by crawling or walking too. As the name “Osteogenesis imperfecta” itself says – imperfect formation of the bone. This condition is considered to be an irreversible life long condition. It is a rare condition found in babies but once born with this condition they have to deal with it forever. This disease is also classified to further four types according to the degrees of severity. The management of this particular condition just needs to prevent fracture and deformity of the bone. Ayurveda also considers this condition to be Sahaja Vyadhi (genetic disorder) and provides a number of combinations of herbal drugs for the management and improvement of the condition.

INTRODUCTION

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease is a rare disorder of the bone in which the babies are born with lower bone density that makes their bone fragile and ultimately prone to fractures. This genetic disorder is caused due to abnormally formed bones. The signs and symptoms vary according to the severity of the disease. This condition can also be determined before birth during intrauterine life by a process known as amniocentesis. However type 1 that is considered to be the mildest one among them is commonly found.

Symptoms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Listed below are the types of Osteogenesis imperfecta according to the grade-

  1. Type I – this is the mildest form of OI that is the commonest too.
  2. Type II – this type is considered to be the most severe one. If affected with this type of OI the child may be born with shorter arms, legs and a softer skull that does not let the newborn survive more than a week or a year.
  3. Type III – this type of OI has almost all the features of type II but their life expectancy is normal.
  4. Type IV – this type of OI can be diagnosed at birth and do not attain fractures until they start walking or crawling.

There are few other types of Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) but are very rarely found.

CAUSES

This disorder is caused due to genetic abnormality. The affected gene can be passed by any of the two parents. The passed genes due to some spontaneous mutation attains abnormality that causes Osteogenesis imperfecta.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms or signs of OI completely depend upon the grade of the disease. However there are some symptoms in common, that includes –

  1. Fragile bone that are more prone to fractures
  2. Weakness of muscles
  3. Joint hypermobility
  4. Curved spine
  5. Malformed or undeformed long bones
  6. Loose joints
  7. Barrel shaped chest
  8. Loss of hearing
  9. Fatigue
  10. Small stature
  11. Soft and mal aligned teeth
  12. Breathing difficulties
  13. Discoloration of sclera (it looks purple, blue or grey)
  14. Discoloured teeth
  15. Triangular shaped face
  16. Deformities of the chest wall (Barrel shaped or pigeon chest)

INVESTIGATION

  1. Physical examination can be done
  2. X Ray – to check for fractured or deformed bones.
  3. DEXA scan
  4. Bone biopsy
  5. Genetic testing

TREATMENT OF OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

There is not any treatment for the reversement of Osteogenesis imperfecta, however certain measures can be taken for the prevention of further complications. This includes –

  1. Preventive orthopaedic treatment that may consist of  bracing or splinting of several weight-bearing joints like knees, ankles or legs.
  2. Medicinal treatment for better strength of bones.
  3. Dental therapy can also be done as the  teeth are brittle.
  4. Physical therapy can also be taken to provide strength to the bones.
  5. Surgery

COMPLICATIONS

  1. Loss of hearing in adult life (common in type I and Type II)
  2. Heart failure (in Type II)
  3. Respiratory problems
  4. Permanent deformity

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

Osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease in Ayurveda can be correlated to Sahaja Vyadhis that means the genetic disorders. Acharyas believe that the abnormalities in the bones that are Asthi kshaya and Majja kshaya (depletion of bone marrow) are caused mainly due to vitiation of Vata Dosha.

Lakshanas (symptoms) of Asthi Kshaya can be

  1. Hair Fall from scalp or beard
  2. Brittle nails
  3. Weakness and fatigue
  4. Loosening of joints

Lakshanas (symptoms) of Majja Kshaya can be

  1. Degeneration of bones
  2. Weakness

CHIKITSA (TREATMENT)

There is not any specific treatment for treating this disease, only management of the disease can be done to avoid any further complications. This can be done by treating or pacifying the aggravated Vata Dosha and management of the condition can be done accordingly.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified brand that manufactures herbal supplements. Planet Ayurveda is dedicated to bring the benefits of natural herbs to mankind through some completely natural herbal products that cures diseases without causing any ill effect to the patient.The products manufactured by Planet Ayurveda has no added preservatives or any adulterants.This company exports their products worldwide like to the USA, Europe, Africa and many other countries.  All the products by Planet Ayurveda are manufactured following the ancient Ayurvedic texts under the guidance and supervision of experts of Ayurveda. They have plenty of medicines for various diseases both chronic and acute. Listed are few medicines that improve conditions and manages the symptoms caused by Osteogenesis imperfecta

Product List

  1. Lakshadi Guggul
  2. Bone Support Capsules
  3. Cissus Power Capsules
  4. Boswellia Curcumin
  5. Gandhak Rasayan
  6. Arjun Ghrit

Description of the products that manages Osteogenesis imperfecta well

1) Lakshadi Guggul Tablets

Lakshadi Guggul in the form of tablets by planet Ayurveda shows effective results in  Osteogenesis imperfecta by maintaining both bone and muscle health. Lakshadi guggul consists of Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shuddh Guggul (purified Commiphora mukul) and a lot other herbal drugs that enhances calcium deposition to the bones that even fastens healing a fractured bone too. This product also helps in other conditions like osteoporosis by improving bone density.

Dosage – 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

2) Bone Support Capsules

These capsules by Planet Ayurveda work well for maintenance of a healthy skeletal system. These capsules consist of the Goodness of  Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Mukta (compound of pearl), Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum) and various other drugs. These ingredients improve the mineral density of bones and make it a better absorbent of calcium. They also strengthen the connective tissues of the bone that prevents it from breaking.

Dosage – 1 capsule twice a day, with plain water after meals.

3) Cissus Power Capsules

These capsules by Planet Ayurveda are made of Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) which are rich in vitamin C and help in mineralization and formation of the bones by increasing the strength and density of the bones. These capsules also reduce inflammation and pain in joints. It supports growth of cells and also regeneration of it by preventing loss of bone tissue.

Dosage – 1-2 Capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

4) Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin Capsules by Planet Ayurveda consist of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) which is a herb that treats bone diseases by preventing excessive wear and tear of joints. It reduces pain and inflammation of the joints too. Another content of this formulation is Curcumin (Curcuma longa) that helps in building and repairing of the bones.

Dosage –  1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

5) Gandhak Rasayan

These Gandhak Rasayan Capsules are made of extraction of a single component Gandhak better known as Sulphur. Sulphur or Gandhaka helps to treat weak and fractured bones, it helps to make glucosamine and collagen that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones and joints. It also protects the cell from damage.

Dosage – 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day with lukewarm water.

6) Arjun Ghrit

This classical preparation of Arjun Ghrit is mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda. It has Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) and various other herbs along with Ghee. Arjuna is considered to have bone regeneration properties that help to make healthy bones. All these ingredients also help in improving bone density hence better strength to bones.

Dosage – ½ teaspoon twice a day with warm water or milk.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you with the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

CONCLUSION

Here we can conclude that Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease is a genetic disorder of the bone caused due to some abnormality in the gene mutation. This condition can not be reversed and babies who are born with it need to survive with it forever, however certain measures for the management of the disease both by Ayurveda and Modern Science are explained above. Ayurveda considers this condition among the Sahaja Rogas to be genetic disorders and all the symptoms are same as that caused due to aggravation of Vata Dosha so the management is done accordingly. Hence this condition needs to be managed to avoid further complications.

What is Encephalomalacia?-Symptoms, Causes and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Encephalomalacia in basic words can be defined as a condition of  softening of the brain or loss of brain tissues due to various reasons that can be cerebral ischemia, craniocerebral trauma or any other kind of trauma to the brain. In this condition the injury to the brain affects the neurons in the white and grey matter. It can also include some other parts of the brain like occipital lobe, frontal lobe, temporal lobe or parietal lobe, that ultimately alters the motor and sensory functions of the body. Encephalomalacia is a chronic condition that occurs when brain tissue softens. It is also known as Cerebral softening or Cerebromalacia. Encephalomalacia can occur in any part of the brain after trauma. Modern Science considers Encephalomalacia as an incurable disease as tissues of the human brain are degenerative in nature. However underlying causes can be treated to avoid any further irreversible damages. However in both modern Science and in Ayurveda there are not any treatments specific to this condition but symptomatic treatment can be done to subside and to avoid further damage to the brain tissues.

INTRODUCTION

The softening of the brain tissue of the loss of it can be termed as encephalomalacia or can be called as Cerebral softening or Cerebromalacia too. This softening or damage to the tissues of the brain can be caused by trauma or due to any other associated disease. This condition starts at one part of the brain and later on affects the other part also. This condition is attained due to inflammation or bleeding in the brain. As a result of all these the system of the body dysfunctions. This condition can occur in any age group but if this condition attacks children or infants it can be fatal. The symptoms of  Encephalomalacia vary from patient to patient according to the part of the brain affected but in any of it immediate treatment is a must as delay in the treatment can lead to the patient landing in coma or even can cause death. In the most severe cases even surgery may be done to remove the damaged tissues. This softening of the brain can be classified into 3 sub categories that are Red softening, white softening and yellow softening. Following are the description of these types –

Causes of Encephalomalacia

  1. Red Softening – in this type of softening the tissues in the brain turns red in colour due to presence of blood in the area. It can be seen in patients of hemorrhagic stroke.
  2. White Softening – in this type the brain tissues turns white in colour due to absence of supply of blood in that area. This area can look white or yellow in colour and indicates brain cell damage.
  3. Yellow Softening – this type of softening is usually seen in patients of trauma. Yellowish colour occurs due to formation of plaques in the arteries of the brain.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA

  1. Temporary or permanent vision loss that can lead to Blindness too
  2. Severe headaches
  3. Dizziness
  4. Memory loss
  5. Vertigo
  6. Disturbed sleep
  7. Mood swings (when frontal lobe is affected)
  8. Seizures
  9. Altered coordination
  10. Extreme drowsiness
  11. Tremors
  12. Difficulty in movement
  13. Changed behaviour
  14. Lost concentration
  15. Weakness of the muscles

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Physical examination
  2. CT (Computerised Tomography) Scan can be done to check the volume of fluid loss or soft tissue damage of the brain.
  3. EEG (Electroencephalography) to measure the electrical activity of the brain.
  4. CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  5. Urine test
  6. Spinal fluid Test
  7. MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) can be done to check for changes in any part of the brain.

TREATMENT

There is no specific or direct treatment for curing this disease. However the treatment to the underlying causes can be done and is usually performed.

  1. Stem cell Therapy can be done.
  2. Removal of the brain tissue by surgical procedure can also be performed in severe cases.

However there are not any specific treatments for the cure of these diseases as brain tissues are considered to be non regenerative that means once it is damaged it can not be generated again.

COMPLICATIONS OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA

As this is a serious disease but it can turn even more severe if immediate treatment is not given to the patient. Complications can be

  1. Seizures
  2. Functional disability
  3. The patient can land to coma
  4. Death

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA

As mentioned above this condition is not reversible but to avoid any further complications supportive treatment is given by Acharyas of Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers this disease to be due to vitiation of all the three sharirik doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha). Acharyas also considered this to be Abhighataja that means due to external trauma by wood, any weapon or anything that can cause damage to the head from outside or due to Raktavah sroto dushti (contamination of the Raktavah Strotas).

CAUSES

  1. Excessive intake of food that are hot in potency
  2. Excessive exposure to heat (excessive sunbath)
  3. Excessive Intake of food in liquid form

LAKSHANAS OF SYMPTOMS

  1. Severe headache
  2. Memory loss
  3. Dizziness
  4. Malaise
  5. Vomiting
  6. Body Aches
  7. Anorexia

CHIKITA

  1. Upvasa (Fasting)
  2. Shodhana chikitsa like vamana (therapeutic emesis), virechana (induced purgation) and nasya (dropping medicated fluid to nostrils)
  3. Shamana chikitsa – shamana chikitsa includes intake of several pishtis like praval pishti and various others.
  4. Shero dhara can be done
  5. Raktamokshan can be done in some cases
  6. Intake of medhya dravyas like brahmi and others.

Several lifestyle changes can be taken, that includes

  1. Taking bath with cold water
  2. Sitting in place where cold breeze blows
  3. Sitting under night sky

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ENCEPHALOMALACIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is an established and GMP certified brand that manufactures herbal supplements.Planet Ayurveda is dedicated to bring the benefits of natural herbs to mankind that cures diseases without causing any ill effect to the patient.This company exports their products worldwide like to the USA, Europe, Africa and many other countries. The products manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are completely herbal with no added preservatives or any adulterants. All the products by Planet Ayurveda are manufactured following the ancient Ayurvedic texts under the guidance and supervision of experts of Ayurveda. They have plenty of medicines for various diseases. Listed are few medicines that improve conditions caused by Encephalomalacia

Herbal remedies for encephalomalacia

Herbal Supplements for Encephalomalacia

Product List

  1. Gotu kola Capsules
  2. Brahmi Capsules
  3. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati
  4. Curcumin 95% Capsules
  5. Telo – Extension Capsules
  6. Swarn Vasant Malti Ras

Product Description

1. Gotu kola Capsules

Gotu kola Capsules by Planet Ayurveda supports healthy blood circulation that ultimately provides better supply to the brain and helps in conditions like that of Encephalomalacia. This herbal combination by Planet Ayurveda consists of a single herbal drug Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) better known as Mandukparni balances the kapha dosha, it also manages the neurological system and also improves nerve conduction. This single herb is also considered to be a medhya drug that improves intelligence.

Dosage – Take 1-2 Capsules twice a day with plain water after each meal.

2. Brahmi Capsule

These capsules by Planet Ayurveda are made of standardised extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), this drug by being a cognitive enhancer helps in symptoms caused in Encephalomalacia. This drug Brahmi also protects the brain from ischemic attacks. It also works as an anticonvulsant that is helpful in seizures too. Brahmi is also among the medhya aushadhis that helps in boosting brain strength. Brahmi by being a Rasayana also considered as a drug that increases lifespan,

Dosage – Take 1-2 Capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

3. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati

Ashwagandha ghan vati in the form of tablets has the goodness of  a single drug Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)is known especially for its good effect on the neurological system of the body. That means it has good effects on the brain and nervous system. It also regulates the immune system of the body and shows results in insomnia, and is also beneficial for fatigue.

Dosage – Take 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day with lukewarm water.

4. Curcumin 95% Capsules

Curcumin 95% Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a single herb capsule that is Haridra (Curcuma longa). This herbal drug is considered to be a pacifier to vata and kapha dosha. It has antibiotic, antioxidant and a lot other properties beneficial for patients suffering from this condition.

Dosage – Take 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

6. Telo – Extension Capsules

These capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a multi herbal capsule that is made up of goodness of Amla (Emblica officinalis), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and a lot more herbal drugs. These herbal drugs pacify all the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These drugs also act as hemostatic and diuretic. These also pacify conditions like fever and help to maintain good neurological health. The combination of all the drugs used also works as an antioxidant.

Dosage – Take 2 capsules twice a day with plain water.

7. Swarn Vasant Malti Ras

Swarn Vasant Malti Ras in form of tablets by Planet Ayurveda has Swarn bhasma (calx of gold), mukta bhasma (calx of perl), shuddh gandhaka (purified sulphur) and various other drugs that pacifies vata and kapha dosha. It acts as an immunostimulant and also plays a great role in better circulation that leads to better circulation to the brain and manages this condition also along with a lot other properties like good digestion etc.

Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with honey or butter or with pippali churna.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

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CONCLUSION

Hence we can conclude that this severe disease known as Encephalomalacia means loss or softening of the brain. It harms or better to say damages the tissues of the brain. This condition is considered to be severe as brain tissues are degenerative in nature that means if once the damage is caused to the tissues of the brain it can not be reserved.   Ayurveda in this severe condition also has some supportive management that manages the damage caused. So by following all the ancient Ayurveda scriptures the experts of Ayurveda by Planet Ayurveda have formulated several herbal medicinal drugs which are completely herbal and free from any adulterants or any fillers to be used as a supportive treatment to this condition without any further ill effects.