Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteopenia – Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Bone health is essential to overall well-being, as bones provide structure to the body, protect internal organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Bone mass peaks in the early 30s and gradually declines with age. Osteopenia is an early stage of bone loss, where bones become weaker and more fragile, but the loss of bone density is not yet severe enough to qualify as osteoporosis. There has been an increase in the global prevalence of Osteopenia from the last three decades. Currently, the global prevalence of Osteopenia is 40.40% and for osteoporosis it is 19.75%. It is an indication that a person is at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, which is a more serious condition characterized by a very low bone density and a high risk of fractures.

Introduction

Osteopenia refers to a condition characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). Osteopenia is a silent disorder that often goes undetected until significant bone loss occurs. Osteopenia involves an imbalance between the processes of bone reabsorption and bone formation. Normally, the bone remodeling process is regulated in a way so that the old bone cells are replaced with new bone cells, maintaining healthy bone density. However, in osteopenia, the body resorbs bone faster than it produces new bone, leading to a gradual decrease in bone mass.

Bone tissue is made of a combination of collagen and minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus. At the cellular level, osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) become overactive, and osteoblasts (cells responsible for bone formation) become less active as bones lose their density in osteopenia, they become more fragile and more prone to fractures, losing their structural integrity.

Causes

1. Age: As the age progresses, the bone mass tends to decrease naturally. After the age of 30 bone density in females decreases.
2. Gender: Women have likely higher prevalence than men. Also in cases of estrogen deficiency like menopause, the bone mineral density gets severely affected. Normally, estrogen suppresses osteoclasts and stimulates osteoblasts, thus balancing the bone remodeling. But in cases of estrogen deficiency, the osteoclasts are not suppressed and the bone reabsorption gets accelerated along with the decrease in bone formation.
3. Genetics: Family history of osteopenia or osteoporosis increases your chances of developing it.
4. Nutritional deficiencies: Low calcium, vitamin D, potassium, low protein intake affect the bone health.
5. Hormonal imbalance: In adrenal disorders, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, pituitary disorders, the bone reabsorption is more accelerated due to hormonal imbalance.
6. Sedentary lifestyle: Both lack of exercise and weight-bearing exercises interfere with bone mass loss.
7. Chronic diseases: Diseases of GI tract, diabetes, RA and other metabolic disorders which affect nutrient absorption can increase the risk of osteopenia.
8. Medications: long term use of corticosteroids, anti-depressants etc.
9. Smoking and alcohol: They adversely affect bone health causing a risk of osteopenia.

Symptoms

Osteopenia is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it typically doesn’t produce any symptoms in the initial stages. The symptoms are often seen after the significant loss of bone mineral density.

1. Back pain
2. Frequent fractures: It even with minimal trauma. Common sites of fractures are wrist, spine, and hip.
3. Loss of height: Over time, because of compression fractures in the spine, individuals with severe osteopenia can experience a decrease in height.
4. Stooped posture: In severe osteopenia, a hunched posture can develop known as kyphosis.
5. Tenderness: when fragility in bones increases associated tenderness can be present too.

Diagnosis

The hallmark diagnostic criteria for osteopenia is Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD) along with a dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan (DEXA).

1. BMD: It measures the amount of mineral content present in a specific bone like hip, spine, legs, etc. here, the T-score is measured which is basically the standard deviation between your BMD and that of a healthy adult. A positive score indicates healthy and strong bones.

T score	Bone health
-1 or > -1	The bone is healthy
-1 to -2.5	Osteopenia
≤ -2.5	Osteoporosis

2. Associated tests according to the cause can be done:

• CBC
• Vitamin D and Calcium , Phosphorus levels
• Hormone panel
• TSH levels

Treatment / Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Medications:

• Bisphosphonates: drugs like alendronate help in slowing down bone loss.
• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): drugs like raloxifene help in preserving bone density.
• Denosumab: a monoclonal antibody that can be used to reduce bone reabsorption.
• HRT: hormone replacement is done in women who are experiencing bone density loss due to menopause.
• NSAIDs and pain killers if required.

2. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements: these are essential for maintaining bone health.
3. Physical Exercise: Physical activities like jogging, walking, dancing, help stimulate bone formation.
4. Lifestyle changes: Introduce nutrient rich diet like fortified cereals, leafy greens, omega 3 fatty acid rich foods. Also cessation of smoking and alcohol is necessary.

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, there is no direct co-relation for osteopenia. But we can somewhere understand Osteopenia as both “Asthi Dhatu Kshaya” and “Majja Dhatu Kshaya”. We can understand this as both the bones and bone marrow play a significant role in bone remodeling. The bone marrow has a major role in repair and growth of the bone cells. Bone marrow acts as a reservoir of osteoblasts. Vata dosha resides inside of the Asthi (bones) Dhatu. Here the kshaya (depletion) occurs mainly due to the vitiation of vata dosha, but there are multiple factors affecting the pathogenesis of Asthi and Majja vaha Srotas. The vitiation of vata dosha dries out the bone causing “Asthi soushriya” which does not allow the Asthi dhatu to do its normal action of “Deha darana” meaning supporting the skeletal system of the body.  Because of the Vata prakopak nidana-sevana (etiological factors which increase vata dosha), the Jathargani (metabolic fire) gets impaired and leads to the formation of “ama” which causes the Stroto-avrodh (obstruction) of the Asthi and Majja vaha srotas (channels).  This leads to the improper nourishment of Asthi and Majja dhatu resulting in their kshaya (depletion) causing various symptoms.

The depletion of Asthi dhatu causes hair loss, fatigue, pain in joints, and feeling of looseness in bones & joints.

If the depletion of Majja dhatu occurs, then there is atrophy of bone tissues, generalized weakness, lightness in bones and the patient has disbalanced vata dosha leading to other vata disorders.

The main line of treatment here is to balance vata dosha. Therefore basti with kshira (milk), ghrita (cow’s ghee) and tikta dravyas are advised. Here these three factors help in the “Asthi- vridhi”. Various herbs like Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Dadima (Punica granatum) are used internally to balance out the vitiate doshas.

Herbal Remedies for Osteopenia by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of ayurvedic herbs for the management of Osteopenia. The medicines beneficial in Osteopenia are Coral Calcium Complex, Lakshadi Guggul, Osteo Plan Capsules, Energo Plan Syrups, and Bone support.  All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100 % natural, vegetarian, additive free, chemical & preservative free and without any side effects. With ayurvedic treatment for Osteopenia (Low Bone density) can be managed efficiently and thus, increasing the quality of life.

Product Description

1. Coral Calcium Complex

Coral Calcium Complex is an herbomineral supplement available in the form of capsules, made from the standardized extract of various compounds such as Praval Pishti (Coral), Akik Pishti (Agate), Jahar Mohra Pishti, Mukta Pishti (Pearl), Kamdudha Ras, and Giloy Ghansatva (aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia). These mineral ingredients are detoxified using traditional Ayurvedic “Shodhana” (purification) techniques. Jahar Mohra Pishti is particularly known for its excellent digestive and carminative properties, as it functions as both Deepana (stimulating the digestive fire) and Pachana (aiding in digestion). These capsules are Shoth-hara (anti-inflammatory), Balya (enhances muscle strength), and also serves as a Rasayan (rejuvenating the entire body). This formulation also supports the improvement in bone mineral density.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day.

2. Lakshadi Guggul

Lakshadi Guggul is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation available in capsule form. It is made from the standardized extract of ingredients such as Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Asthisambharaka (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Nagabala (Grewia populifolia), and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). Guggul and Ashwagandha help in balancing the aggravated Vata dosha, providing relief from pain. Arjuna, known for its ability to improve blood circulation, also supports the healing of joints due to its high calcium content. Asthisambharaka is used to calm the ligaments and promote increased bone density.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day.

3. Osteo Plan Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract derived from the Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). These herbs help strengthen bone as they have Balya properties. Arjuna Chhal is a rich source of calcium and other minerals which help in improving bone density and is indicated to be used in weak and brittle bones. Shatavari helps with the regulation of estrogen levels which in turn regulates bone remodeling as it is enriched with natural phyto-hormones.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day.

4. Energo Plan Syrup

This syrup is formulated using the standardized extract derived from Jeevanti (Jivanti leptadenia), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). Also a little bit of Pippali (Piper longum) is present in this which improves the absorption of these extracts in the body. These herbs clear our body channels helping in better absorption of nutrients. These herbs also have rasayanic (rejuvenation action) properties, improves general debility and balances increased vata dosha.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice a day.

5. Bone Support Capsules

These capsules are made from a concentrated extract of various herbs such as Shudha Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Sehjan (Moringa oleifera), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Mukta (a compound of Pearl Calcium), and Praval Pishti (Corallium rubrum). This formulation supports better calcium absorption and helps in boosting bone density. Additionally, it aids in strengthening cartilage and enhancing joint flexibility. The Hadjod component plays a significant role in improving bone density, while Arjuna promotes improved blood circulation. Furthermore, Praval Pishti and Mukta naturally elevate calcium levels in the body.

Dosage: 1 capsules twice a day.

Conclusion

Osteopenia is a significant indicator of future bone health risks, as it marks a stage of reduced bone density that can lead to osteoporosis. Understanding its causes, symptoms, triggers, and herbal treatment for bone health is crucial for preventing the progression to osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures. With early detection through BMD testing and a proactive approach that includes medical treatment, proper nutrition, and lifestyle modifications, individuals with osteopenia can manage their condition effectively and maintain bone health as they age. Ayurveda offers a holistic and a natural approach for managing osteopenia. With early diagnosis and early intervention its progression to osteoporosis can often be delayed or prevented.