EXPLORE!

Natural products and medicinal plants for fracture healing

  1687 Views

eMediNexus Editorial    22 November 2019

The approach to fracture healing is not restricted just to surgery, slings braces, or any other device but it also requires proper nutrition, since broken bones have the ability to repair themselves naturally. Herbal medicines are usually preferred as they are effective, have fewer side effects, and are relatively less expensive.

Ficus religiosa has been extensively used to treat fractures. Alangium salviifolium, Christiella subpubescens, Diospyros chloroxylon, Erythrina fusca, Mimosa intsia, Phoenix loureiroi, and Rhaphidophora pertusa could also be used for treating fractures. The bark of Symplocos is used for poulticing fractures. Oryza sativa Linn, commonly known as Asian rice, is used in fracture healing and as a poultice to diminish inflammation. Cryptolepis buchananii plant has antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective activities.

Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod) is well known to have bone healing properties and has antiosteoporotic activity. It not only heals fractures but also relieves pain on account of its analgesic effect. The stem of the plant is rich in natural calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene. It accelerates all the phases of recovery - fibroblastic phase, collagen phase, and osteochondral phase.

Bambusa arundinacea (Bamboo) is known to decrease inflammation and help in fracture healing. Symphytum officinale is another herb that facilitates fracture healing by removing inflammation. It induces union of the affected part. Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Sheng) facilitates early formation of dense callus. Terminalia arjuna bark powder is used orally for fracture treatment. Cicuta maculata decoction is used to treat bruises, sprains, sore joints, or broken bones.

Hence, the natural products, in the form of decoctions, bark powders, extracts, etc., obtained from the medicinal herbs mentioned here, and several others, can go a long way in facilitating fracture healing. There exists a vast armamentarium of medicinal herbs that can be put to use while caring for patients with fractures.

To comment on this article,
create a free account.

Sign Up to instantly get access to 10000+ Articles & 1000+ Cases

Already registered?

Login Now

Most Popular Articles

News and Updates

eMediNexus provides latest updates on medical news, medical case studies from India. In-depth medical case studies and research designed for doctors and healthcare professionals.