July 18, 2023
Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Brittle Bone Disease
ABSTRACT
Osteogenesis Imperfecta is an inherited disorder of Type I collagen. It is a rare disorder. It is also called Brittle Bone Disease because bones get easily fractured. Due to the lack of type I collagen there is difficulty in making connective tissue that makes bones. Collagen provides mechanical strength to bones. As a result of genetic defects, there is inhibition in the production of collagen that results in Osteogenesis imperfecta. Osteogenesis Imperfecta is characterized by weak bones which can break easily. Let’s discuss it in detail!
INTRODUCTION
Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder that means imperfect bone formation. It is grouped under heterogeneous genetic disorders. A person with osteogenesis imperfecta has more risk of multiple fractures throughout their lifetime. Infants born with OI have difficulty in making connective tissue due to a lack of type I collagen. Based on patterns of inheritance and clinical symptoms, it is divided into 4 types. Osteogenesis imperfecta Type I shows mild or late fractures whereas Osteogenesis Type II shows perinatal fractures which are fatal. A person with Osteogenesis Type III shows bone deformity with fractures (severe) and in Type IV bones are brittle and short stature can be seen. Out of these Osteogenesis imperfecta Type I is the most commonest type. Management of Osteogenesis imperfecta involves strengthening of bones and pain management.
CAUSES
Genetic mutation
Mutations in the genes coding for pro alpha 1 collagen chain located on chromosome 17 and pro alpha 2 collagen chains located on chromosome 7.
SYMPTOMS
- Brittle bones/Bone fractures
- Bone deformity
- Scoliosis
- Brittle teeth
- Deformed teeth (Dentinogenesis imperfecta)
- Hearing loss
- Short stature
- Blue sclerae (Bluish discoloration of the white part of the eye)
DIAGNOSIS
- Genetic testing: Done to detect OI before birth
- Blood test
- Bone density test
AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW
According to Ayurveda, Osteogenesis imperfecta is caused due to Bija Dushti (abnormal sperm and ovum). It comes under Sahaj or Kulaj Roga(Hereditary disorder). Bija dushti along with the uterine factors, diet, and lifestyle of the mother is responsible for the vitiation of Vata dosha. This vitiated vata is responsible for asthi kshaya (Decrease in bone mass) causing abnormality in bones and leading to weak bones. In OI bones are very weak and can get broken very easily. Vitiated Vata also results in Kubja (Scoliosis), hearing loss, bluish discoloration of eyes, weaker and poor developing teeth. In Ayurveda, Osteogenesis imperfecta is managed with herbs that help in pacifying Vata dosha and strengthens bones to avoid fractures.
TREATMENT
Management of Osteogenesis imperfecta involves the use of Rasayan (Rejuvenating medicines), Balya aushadi (Strengthening herbs) and abhyanga (Massage) in order to strengthen bones.
Rasayan
It includes Gnadhak Rasayan, Mukta shukti, Makardhwaja etc.
Balya aushadi
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) etc.
Abhyanga (Massage)
Oil massage should be done with Dhanwantharam thailam, Chakra thailam, Ksheerabala thailam etc.
Herbal Remedy for Osteogenesis Imperfecta by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides the best combination of effective herbal remedies for the management of Osteogenesis imperfecta. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the management of Osteogenesis imperfecta.
PRODUCTS List
- Lakshadi Guggul
- Bone Support
- Cissus Power
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Arjun Ghrit
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. Lakshadi Guggul
Lakshado guggul is a herbal formulation that contains Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Asthisamharaka (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and many other herbs. Laksha is Kapha and Pitta Shamak (balances Kapha and Pitta dosha). It is exclusively used in chest injuries. It is helpful in preventing bone degeneration and promotes the healing of bone fractures. Guggul balances all three doshas and reduces bone pain.
Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.
2. Bone Support
Bone support is a wonderful formulation that contains Shudh Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Suhanjana beej (Moringa oleifera), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and various other herbs. Suhanjana beej in this formulation is a rich source of calcium. This herbal formulation helps in the formation of new bone cells and heals bone fractures. Hadjod is responsible for restoring bone mass and promoting collagen formation.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water.
3. Cissus Power Capsule
Cissus Power capsule is a herbal formulation that contains Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis). Hadjod is known for its Bhagan Sandhanakara (healing fractures), and balya (strengthening) properties. It is vata and kapha shamak (Pacifies Vata and Kapha) and ushna (hot) in potency. It also improves appetite, resolves indigestion and regulates bowel movements.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily, with plain water after meals.
4. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia curcumin is a herbal formulation that contains Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This extract helps in pacifying Vata dosha. Shalaki balances Kapha and Pitta.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water.
5. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak Rasayan is a herbal formulation that contains Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulphur). It acts as a rasayan and helps in the formation of healthy bone cells. It provides relief from bone pain and brittle bones associated with OI. It is used in a wide range of bone problems.
Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.
6. Arjun Ghrit
Arjun Ghrit is an Ayurvedic formulation that contains Arjuna swarasa (Terminalia arjuna juice), Arjuna Kalka (Terminalia arjuna paste) and cow ghee. Arjuna is a good source of calcium. According to Acharya Chakrapanidutta, arjuna helps in healing fractures. Arjuna ghrita is also responsible for strengthening heart muscles and improving blood circulation to bones.
Dosage: ½ tablespoon twice with warm milk or water.
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) 9915-593-604
CONCLUSION
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare condition that causes weak bones as a result of genetic mutations. Type I collagen which is a major component of bone is produced in poor quality resulting in fragile bones that break easily. In Ayurveda, it is co-related with vata imbalance that results in Asthi kshaya (Decrease in bone mass). Ayurveda takes a holistic approach with herbs that help in balancing Vata and strengthens bones in order to manage Osteogenesis imperfecta.