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.
Listed below are the types of Osteogenesis imperfecta according to the grade-
- Type I – this is the mildest form of OI that is the commonest too.
- 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.
- Type III – this type of OI has almost all the features of type II but their life expectancy is normal.
- 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 –
- Fragile bone that are more prone to fractures
- Weakness of muscles
- Joint hypermobility
- Curved spine
- Malformed or undeformed long bones
- Loose joints
- Barrel shaped chest
- Loss of hearing
- Fatigue
- Small stature
- Soft and mal aligned teeth
- Breathing difficulties
- Discoloration of sclera (it looks purple, blue or grey)
- Discoloured teeth
- Triangular shaped face
- Deformities of the chest wall (Barrel shaped or pigeon chest)
INVESTIGATION
- Physical examination can be done
- X Ray – to check for fractured or deformed bones.
- DEXA scan
- Bone biopsy
- 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 –
- Preventive orthopaedic treatment that may consist of bracing or splinting of several weight-bearing joints like knees, ankles or legs.
- Medicinal treatment for better strength of bones.
- Dental therapy can also be done as the teeth are brittle.
- Physical therapy can also be taken to provide strength to the bones.
- Surgery
COMPLICATIONS
- Loss of hearing in adult life (common in type I and Type II)
- Heart failure (in Type II)
- Respiratory problems
- 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
- Hair Fall from scalp or beard
- Brittle nails
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loosening of joints
Lakshanas (symptoms) of Majja Kshaya can be
- Degeneration of bones
- 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
- Lakshadi Guggul
- Bone Support Capsules
- Cissus Power Capsules
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Gandhak Rasayan
- 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.
