Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss can progress for years without obvious symptoms. A person may feel perfectly well until a relatively minor fall or injury causes a fracture. The condition is characterized by reduced bone strength and deterioration of bone structure, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist.
Alongside modern approaches to osteoporosis, interest has also grown in traditional systems such as Ayurveda, particularly in herbs that have historically been associated with bone health. One such plant is Cissus quadrangularis, traditionally known as Hadjod or Asthi Shrunkhala.
What is osteoporosis?
Bone is living tissue that is continuously renewed. Throughout life, old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts and new bone is formed by osteoblasts. Healthy bones depend on a balance between these two processes.
With ageing and certain medical conditions, bone breakdown can exceed bone formation. Over time, bone mineral density and bone quality may decline. When this becomes sufficiently severe, osteoporosis develops.
Common risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Menopause and declining estrogen levels
- Low calcium or vitamin D intake
- Physical inactivity
- Low body weight
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Long-term use of certain medicines, particularly glucocorticoids
- Certain endocrine, gastrointestinal, kidney and other chronic diseases
A bone mineral density test, generally performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA/DEXA), is an important tool for assessing bone density and fracture risk.
Why osteoporosis deserves attention
The major clinical concern with osteoporosis is fracture. Vertebral fractures can cause back pain, loss of height and progressive changes in posture. Hip fractures can result in prolonged loss of mobility and independence.
Importantly, osteoporosis is not simply a consequence of ageing that should be accepted as inevitable. Risk factors can be addressed, falls can be prevented, nutrition and physical activity can be optimized, and when indicated, evidence-based medicines can reduce fracture risk.
Ayurveda and the concept of Asthi Kshaya
Ayurveda does not contain an exact one-to-one equivalent of the modern diagnostic entity “osteoporosis.” However, Ayurvedic literature describes conditions such as Asthi Kshaya—reduction or depletion of Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue)—and Asthi Saushirya, referring to porous or hollow characteristics of bone.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, management is individualized according to factors such as age, constitution, digestive/metabolic status, strength and the clinical presentation. Approaches include appropriate diet, lifestyle measures, exercise, therapeutic procedures and selected herbal or classical formulations.
The role of nutrition and lifestyle
A comprehensive bone-health plan should begin with fundamentals.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D
Calcium is an important structural component of bone, while vitamin D contributes to calcium absorption and normal bone metabolism. Dietary requirements should be assessed individually, and supplementation may be appropriate when dietary intake or vitamin D status is inadequate.
Good dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, fortified foods, sesame and certain leafy vegetables.
Cal D3+ Capsule by Rajasthan Herbal is an Ayurvedic Calcium Supplement, specially formulated to enhance bone health and support joints.
Weight-bearing and resistance exercise
Regular weight-bearing activity and resistance training can support bone and muscle health. Balance and strength exercises are also valuable because preventing falls is an important part of preventing fractures.
Exercise programs should be adapted to age, fitness level and existing fractures or musculoskeletal conditions.
Healthy lifestyle
Avoiding smoking, limiting excessive alcohol intake, maintaining adequate protein intake, healthy diet and addressing nutritional deficiencies can contribute to overall skeletal health.
Cissus quadrangularis: the Ayurvedic “Hadjod”
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial climbing plant belonging to the Vitaceae family. In India, it is traditionally known as Hadjod and Asthi Shrunkhala and has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in relation to bones and fracture healing.
Its traditional reputation has stimulated scientific research into its possible effects on bone formation, bone remodelling and fracture healing.
Laboratory studies have reported effects on osteoblast-related processes, including increased proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of bone-forming cells.
Cissus Capsule by Rajasthan Herbal is a powerful herbal supplement designed to accelerate bone healing and regeneration. It contains Asthi Shrunkhala, which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries, and is now recognised as one of the best Ayurvedic treatment for fractures, especially for patients recovering from injuries, hairline cracks, or bone surgery.
Formulated using Cissus quadrangularis, a time-tested herb, this product works naturally to promote faster bone formation, reduce inflammation, and strengthen joints.
