Osteoporosis, a metabolic bone disease tied to low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, is known to increase bone fragility and as well as fracture risk. A study by Gupta and colleagues evaluated the effect of Cissus quadrangularis and therapeutic enema in the management of osteoporosis.

Twelve patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia were included in the study. They were given C. quadrangularis for 3 months along with therapeutic enema for a total of 16 days. Improvement was assessed based on relief in signs and symptoms of the disease. Marked improvement and mild improvement were noted in 12.5% patients each, while moderate improvement was noted in 75% patients (Fig. 1). There was 76.19% relief in pain, which was statistically highly significant. Additionally, a 75% improvement in tenderness was noted in the enrolled patients (statistically highly significant). Bone mineral density (BMD) increased by 30.98% following treatment, which was statistically highly significant (Fig. 2). The BMD t-score before treatment was -2.751+0.583 while after treatment, the score was -1.899+0.372.

The treatment was thus found to increase bone formation and decrease bone resorption. C. quadrangularisis therefore a promising therapeutic option in the management of osteoporosis.

Figure 1. Percentage of patients showing improvement in the study

Figure 2. Change in BMD (t-score) before and after treatment

Reference

1. Gupta AK, Shah N, Thakar AB. Effect of Majja Basti (therapeutic enema) and Asthi Shrinkhala (Cissus quadrangularis) in the management of Osteoporosis (Asthi-Majjakshaya).Ayu. 2012 Jan-Mar; 33(1): 110–113.